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| Voter Empowerment "Clergy and congregations that support reproductive freedoms and choice understand that knowledge is power. But, during an election year, many 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations, including houses of worship and faith-based organizations, fail their communities by remaining on the sidelines. While many houses of worship primarily focus on service, education, and advocacy to promote their charitable mission, they often neglect their role as community leaders during election season. They do this out of lack of knowledge of what they can do and the fear that mistakes could bring the Internal Revenue Service knocking at the door.” This introduction to the new 95-page Voter Empowerment guide produced by the national Religious Coalition stresses how intimidated many clergy and lay leaders are by the rules concerning political action on the part of congregations. The only major restriction is that congregations cannot do anything to support or oppose a candidate for public office. This leaves many opportunities for nonpartisan activity including voter registration, get-out-the-vote drives and voter education activity. Call us if you would like one of these splendid guides to learn not only what you can and cannot do but how to do it. The Minnesota Religious Coalition is concentrating on those congregations in the Black community who have used our “Keeping It Real!” curriculum, because we already have relationships with them. But we stand ready to help any of you who would like to do voter empowerment in your congregations. As our President and CEO the Reverend Carlton W. Veazey puts it: “It makes a difference if you vote. It makes a difference as to who will sit in our courts, including the Supreme Court; who will make laws affecting our personal and family lives; who will develop healthcare regulations; who will allocate public funds; who will decide social policies. If we want to make a real difference in the world, we must not only participate in elections ourselves, we must also reach out to others and encourage them to participate, in whatever way they can.” The Voter Empowerment Campaign encourages you to take these five steps: 1. Register to vote. 2. Register at least five new voters. 3. Volunteer to serve as the point person at your church, synagogue, mosque or temple. 4. Hold a Voter Empowerment event. 5. Get-Out-the-Vote.  |
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Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
122 W. Franklin Ave., #303, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: (612) 870-0974 | Email: info@mnrcrc.org
Web Site: http://www.mnrcrc.org
