The Participation Project
We believe in the power of the nonprofit vote to build a more inclusive and just Colorado. This work is especially critical as we navigate the impacts of COVID-19 in our most vulnerable communities. Voter registration and participation allows underrepresented people throughout the state to have a voice on ballot initiatives and policy decisions that affect them directly.
The Participation Project provides training, resources, and mini-grants to nonprofits to elevate their nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. Nonprofits can participate in a variety of ways depending on your capacity. We have adapted all aspects of the program to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
The Process
Engaging clients and community in elections is an important step in building the civic capacity of your nonprofit and community. Communities with higher rates of civic participation are more likely to volunteer, experience lower unemployment, and have better health outcomes.
CRC works directly with nonprofits to develop an action plan for their civic engagement efforts. CRC provides the necessary supports including training, materials, resources, and consistent communication to our partner organizations.
By providing civic engagement efforts to clients and community, nonprofit organizations may also increase their influence with elected officials and decision makers. This can help increase the overall effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
Program Impact
In 2020, The Participation Project partnered with 45 human service nonprofits across Colorado to provide guidance, training, and resources to assist them in offering nonpartisan voter engagement efforts to their clients and community. We engaged 4,900 new contacts across 35 counties, including 1,382 voter registrations and 3,525 pledges to vote. Our team partnered with a diverse group of human service nonprofits, training 206 staff, volunteers, residents, and constituents on the importance of voting, voter engagement tactics, nonpartisanship, voting rights, and cultural competency. CRC hired, trained, and managed 10 Organizers to help supplement the work of our partner organizations.
2021 Partner Organizations
- Access Opportunity
- Amigos De Mexico
- Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley
- Emergency Family Assistance Association
- Focus Points Family Resource Center
- Harm Reduction Action Center
- Marillac Health Center
- Metro Caring
- Pueblo Food Project
- Salud Family Health Centers
- School Community Youth Collaborative
- Sister Carmen Community Center
- Sunrise Community Health Center
- Sun Valley Kitchen
- The Gathering Place
- Warren Village
