October 29, 2024
Use Your Superpower!
From the desk of
Jaci A. Thiede
Partner
Odds are, if you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you are someone I consider a “civic champion”. You likely work for, volunteer for and/or philanthropically support non-profit organizations with missions that directly or indirectly make the world a better place for humans, animals and/or the environment. I sincerely applaud and appreciate the work you do.
While I am not a gambler, I’ll wager that being a civic champion is pretty much a part of your DNA. You probably can’t help but be enthusiastic and vocal when it comes to the things you care about. And that is exactly why my message today is the importance of exercising your voice by voting in your local, state and national elections.
Voting is a superpower! You have a chance to use it to help shape the future of your communities and the organizations you hold dear. Elections—at all levels—can have a direct impact on the policies and laws that govern mission-driven institutions. Our elected officials make decisions that affect the laws, regulations and funding that impact the ability of the non-profit organizations we believe in to fulfill their missions. Your vote tells those elected officials what is important to you.
So, with voting season underway, I simply encourage all you civic champions to put your enthusiastic voice to work and use your superpower to vote your values. And of course, use that same voice to encourage your colleagues, neighbors, friends and family to do the same.
Voting is a way to be a part of shaping the future of our communities. It’s such a privilege, I hope you will embrace your superpower and celebrate it by casting your vote for the things you care about most.
Happy voting!
What to Say on 11-6 and How to Say It
Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) recently published a language resource guide in advance of the elections, when tensions mean words could trigger firestorms or worse. As part of five years of research, PACE analyzed a nationally representative survey that measures the reaction of more than 5,000 registered voters to 21 words. Its report includes an index, based on the survey, that ranks whether words are met with a favorable response and can bring people together. Conversely, it looks at whether a word is received negatively and pulls us apart.
The guide offers advice for after the election.
Lean on words that can unify.
“Community” has the highest score on the PACE index and aligned with the values of survey participants across politics and age and regardless of whether they lived in rural or urban areas. Other words: “service,” “belonging,” “liberty,” and “freedom.”
The wrong word can shut down a conversation before it starts.
For instance: Because “democracy” doesn’t register well with some, the report suggests using it in close proximity to “patriotism.”. Other suggested pairings to help connect with the left and the right: “American” and “diversity,” “republic” and “equality.”
Recognize that some words are too vague or open to interpretation.
Most survey respondents couldn’t get a fix on “civic,” although the word is widely used in phrases such as “civic engagement” and “civic health.” (The report suggests “community” might serve as a proxy.)
Response will depend on the audience.
The report studied how survey participants from various demographics reacted to the words and whether they embraced them as reflective of their values. “Diversity,” for instance, was warmly received by liberals, young people, and those living in cities. Conservative, older, and rural participants found alignment in “patriotism” and “republic.”
Go here for the full report. COP, 10-24
Election No Distraction for Younger Diverse Donors
Recent research findings challenge the long-held belief that elections negatively impact overall charitable giving by drowning out nonprofits in favor of political campaigns. Survey data found that younger and more diverse donors are planning to ramp up their gifts to charities this year, according to research tracking giving intent amid a turbulent election year.
The survey, conducted in August, was a follow-up to an earlier round of research in April.
Key Findings
The survey was conducted by fundraising and advertising consultancy Blue State. COP, 10-23
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