Walk Your Precinct

Using tips from the best political campaigns to activate citizen support

for library funding

Building voter support for libraries

John ChrastkaExecutive DirectorEveryLibraryjohn.chrastka@everylibrary.org

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

Walk Your Precinct

Building voter support for libraries

Thank You

www.everylibrary.org@everylibrary

facebook.com/everylibraryeverylibrary.tumblr.com

Building voter support for libraries

John ChrastkaExecutive DirectorEveryLibraryjohn.chrastka@everylibrary.org