As COVID-19 continues to lead headlines and affect our day-to-day routines, responding to immediate, urgent needs in our community continues to be critically important. At the same time, we also need to look ahead to the path to recovery - and as we do that, we can’t minimize the role that our civic engagement now plays in our post-COVID world.
Civic engagement is the foundation of a stronger community - and it’s always been at the heart of what United Way does. For more than 130 years, the United Way network has brought together leaders in communities to find practical solutions. That role is more important than ever: solving the health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means that people need to be civically engaged, policymakers must take action to help workers, children and families and we need an accurate Census count to determine where resources are needed the most.
That’s why we’re calling on YOU to be civically engaged and make your voices heard during this time of uncertainty. Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple ways to put your civic engagement to work for our community:
United We Count, United We Vote
Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m.Tune into United Way Worldwide’s livestreamed launch event and learn how you can take your civic participation to the next level - even during quarantine. You’ll hear from special guests including DJ William Lifestyle, MTV’s Max Zorich and Tim Olson of the U.S. Census Bureau about ways you can get involved - right from your couch or bed. Get information and RSVP here.
May 20 at 3 p.m
Team up with United Way and Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan organization on a mission to change the culture around voting and ensure that our communities are ready and registered to vote in 2020. Train to become a Voting Squad Captain and help people get out the vote through digital organizing and virtual outreach. The session is open to the public and you can sign up for the training here.
Complete the Census - today!
Be counted as part of the 2020 Census. The Census count is still happening and it’s never been easier to get counted. You can complete the Census by phone, mail, or online at 2020census.gov. Make sure you have your Census ID, which you should have received in the mail, and set aside 10 minutes – it shouldn’t take any longer to complete. If you can’t find your Census ID, just call 1-800-354-7271 for assistance.
You can also raise your voice – and awareness for the Census – by using #CountMeIn and #2020Census on social media and sharing why it’s more important than ever to be counted. Here’s a sample Tweet to get you started:
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- The #2020Census is here & the stakes have never been higher. W/ #Covid19, our community simply can’t risk an undercount – join me in raising your voice and making sure your family and neighbors are counted. #CountMeIn! https://unitedway.co/2TzMhj3
Take the Pledge to Vote
Participating in voter engagement activities contributes to the quality of life of our communities. Join us by pledging to do your part and participate in our democracy.Learn more here.
Stay tuned for additional ways you can partner with our United Way to help move our region toward recovery. When you’re civically engaged, you’re a part of an active civic society and you help your community be strong, healthy and resilient.