Walk Your Precinct
Using tips from the best political campaigns to activate citizen support
for library funding
Building voter support for libraries
John ChrastkaExecutive [email protected]
About EveryLibraryFounded on the fact that libraries, as public
entities, cannot expend their own funds to do electioneering.
Associations, as 501c3 organizations, cannot engage in political speech.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrarySet up as a 501c4 Social Welfare Organization
chartered to support local library ballot measures like bonds, referendum, levies and mills.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrarySet up as a 501c4 Social Welfare Organization
chartered to support local library ballot measures like bonds, referendum, levies and mills.
Includes support for legislation that impacts the ability of libraries to function as districts.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibrary
We cannot work with libraries themselves.
Must work with local ballot committees and PACs set up by citizens to support the measure.
Building voter support for libraries
About EveryLibraryEveryLibrary will work with local ballot
committees and PACs to provide:
• Technical assistance with campaigns• Campaign consultancy• Seed or sustaining funding for campaign work
Building voter support for libraries
Voter AttitudesWhat do we know about voter perception of libraries?
• Users vs. Non-Users• Progressives vs. Conservatives
• Any Tax is a Bad Tax
Building voter support for libraries
Voter AttitudesWhat do we know about voter perception of libraries?
• Users vs. Non-Users• Progressives vs. Conservatives
• Any Tax is a Bad Tax
• Nothing Impacts More than their Perception of the Librarian
Building voter support for libraries
What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries?
• Only 37% say they will definitely support libraries at the ballot box*
*OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008
Building voter support for libraries
What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries?
• Only 37% say they will definitely support libraries at the ballot box*
*OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008
Of all voters:
37% will Definitely vote yes
37% will Probably vote yes
26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or
may vote either way.
Building voter support for libraries
What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries?
37% Definite + 37% Probably
does not equal 74%
*OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008
Of all voters:
37% will Definitely vote yes
37% will Probably vote yes
26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or
may vote either way.
Building voter support for libraries
What do we know about voter attitudes and libraries?
37% Definite + 37% Probably
does not equal 74%
It equals 37%. You have to earn the other 30% plus 1 vote to get it to pass
*OCLC From Awareness to Funding, 2008
Of all voters:
37% will Definitely vote yes
37% will Probably vote yes
26% will Probably or Definitely vote no or
may vote either way.
Building voter support for libraries
Running a Campaign
1.Types of Campaigns
2.Messaging That Works
3.Techniques That Work
4.Funding Partners
Building voter support for libraries
Informational Campaign• Planning• Know your limits• Marketing and Awareness
Vote Yes Campaign• Planning• Filing• Awareness and GOTV
Types of Campaigns
Building voter support for libraries
The Library as:– Educational Partner– Economic Development Engine– Social Leveler
Connect with Changing Technology Legitimacy as Institution Trust in the Librarian
Messaging That Works
Building voter support for libraries
Demands for Services Entreaties from Patrons/Customers Appeals about Effectiveness Perceptions of Service Whining
What Doesn't Work
Building voter support for libraries
Informational or “Say Yes” Campaigns:
• Walking• Phoning• Events• Social and Web• Signs • Mailers
Techniques That Work
Building voter support for libraries
Allies in “Say Yes” Funding:
• EveryLibrary• Labor and Unions– SEIU/AFSCME– Fire and other Public Sector Unions– Construction and Building Trades
• Business Community• Individual Donors
Funding Partners
Building voter support for libraries
In Every Case...
Building voter support for libraries
• Walk your Precinct
• Actively say “Vote Yes”
• Answer Challenges with Legitimacy
What Else for Advocacy?
1.What's Working Around the Country
2.The California Library Legislative Agenda
3.Your Personal Leadership
Building voter support for libraries
Around the Country
New York and Oregon PACs• Candidate focused• Highly targeted
Wyoming Foundation Initiative• Infrastructure for funding and advocacy• Long term civic development
Building voter support for libraries
CA Legislative Agenda
SCA7 and the 55% “Solution”• Game Changer• Union Interest• Coalition Opportunities
Calls to Action for Advocates
Building voter support for libraries
Your Own Leadership
Why are you here?
Why are you involved in libraries?
Why should they continue to exist?
Building voter support for libraries
Your Own Leadership
• Where is Your Precinct?
• Grassroots or Grass Tops
• Leverage Personal Relationships
Building voter support for libraries
Your Own Leadership
• Be the Candidate
• Be the Entrepreneur
• Be the Visionary
Building voter support for libraries
Thank You
www.everylibrary.org@everylibrary
facebook.com/everylibraryeverylibrary.tumblr.com
Building voter support for libraries
John ChrastkaExecutive [email protected]