Candid’s Post

Civic Stewardship. Power is not optional, good stewardship is. If I could charge for every political ad text, robo-call, direct mail and spam email I received - I could fund clean water for most of the 3rd world. In the US context and any other democratic environment, citizens have power. The only question is how that power is stewarded. Some Christians think it's spiritual to just punt for a variety of reasons. However, as believers consider 3 imperatives: (1) we have governing responsibility. Failing to steward our vote is negligent, just as an elected official not showing up for a vote or executing their charge. (Rom 13) (2) we have influence. What will you do with it? (3) we are called to love. It is not loving if we're apathetic or disengaged from the policies that impact our neighbors and world. (Jms 4:17) Business owners have disproportionate influence with elected representatives (under-utilized), and can promote democratic engagement among employees by promoting civic engagement, making it easy for them to vote, educating on issues, promoting awareness of issues and healthy discussions. One CEO we serve found out most of her 200 employees had NEVER voted. She educated on the process, the privilege and then had a paid time for everyone to head to the polls and vote their conscience. Here are some resources others have assembled on ways to make it easy for those at your workplace to engage in local, state and federal elections. Check them out! https://lnkd.in/gc5A2hsB

Civic engagement is a cornerstone of any vibrant democracy, and its significance goes well beyond the confines of election day. While voting is a critical aspect of civic participation, it is just one piece of the larger puzzle. Here are a few reasons why civic engagement should be a continuous commitment: Accountability: Engaging beyond election day allows you to monitor the performance of elected officials, demand transparency, and hold them responsible for their actions. Policy Influence: Beyond elections, citizens can work to shape legislation, regulations, and local ordinances by participating in public hearings, and joining advocacy campaigns. Community Building: Civic engagement brings people together, encourages co-operation and collaboration for the greater good of the community or society at large. The importance of civic engagement extends well beyond the act of casting a vote. It is an ongoing commitment to actively participate in shaping the community, advocating for causes, and holding those in power accountable. We are firmly committed to empowering individuals and communities to play a vital role in shaping the future, advocating for policies that reflect their values, and ensuring that the principles of good governance are upheld.

Premise: 1. The more one knows about civics, the more likely one is to be engaged in various aspects of the democratic process (i.e. voting).    2. The more likely one is to be civically engaged, the more likely one is to share a commitment to democracy.   3. The more engaged one is in their community, the more likely one is to have a higher satisfaction with democratic function.  

This is my ‘Why’ for supporting The Voice. Together we can make history, it’s time for change. 🖤💛❤️ We can all make a difference in moving the dial and advocating for what is right. Voting ‘no’ means keeping things the way that they are right now - maintaining the current status quo. Voting ‘yes’ is a vote for meaningful change, a vote for hope, a vote for unity, and ultimately a vote that advocates for the fundamental right (that we ALL should have) to self-determination. The Voice isn’t about politics, it’s about advocating for our fundamental human rights. This is something I know we all can agree on - we really are more similar than we are different. We just have to carve out the time and empathy to better understand each others stories and lived-experiences. I welcome my network of change makers and advocates to join the Directors for the Voice: https://lnkd.in/gxRFtB5K #DirectorsForTheVoice #Yes23 Yes23

What does it really mean to be a 'good citizen'? Voting is important, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. Citizens & Scholars Fellow Debi Ghate explores a more comprehensive view of civic engagement in this post. #CivicEngagement #CivicLearning #Democracy #CSFellow

Voting is a vital civic duty that empowers every person to influence the direction of their community, country, and future. It ensures that diverse voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes. By voting, individuals can hold leaders accountable, advocate for policies that align with their values, and contribute to the democratic process. Every vote counts, and collective participation strengthens the foundation of democracy. Voting is not just a right but a responsibility, crucial for promoting justice, equality, and progress. It is a powerful tool for change, making it essential for every eligible person to participate. #Vote #goodleader #postivechange #powerfultool #empowers

"Democracy is not a state; it is an act." - The Honorable John Lewis, Civil Rights Trailblazer Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to meet with the offices of various representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. It was an honor to engage in meaningful discussions with the dedicated staffers, especially those from the offices of my own Congresswoman and Senator. For me this brought to life the importance of civic engagement and the power of every citizen's voice. I firmly believe that active participation in our democracy is crucial for creating positive change. Our elected officials play a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact our lives, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our voices are heard. Serendipitously, it was also National Voter Registration Day! Register to vote, if you haven't already, and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Participate in local community initiatives that promote civic engagement and support organizations working to ensure equal access to the ballot box. Remember, democracy thrives when we actively participate in the process. Let us honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis and countless other trailblazers who fought for our right to vote. Together, we can make a difference and create a future where everyone's voice is heard and valued. #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #CivicEngagement #DemocracyInAction #DEI #IDE #Leadership

Just because a state doesn’t have terrible voting restrictions doesn’t mean it’s easy for citizens to vote. Even California, a state known for its progressive policies and left-leaning electorate, has struggled to engage voters—particularly in marginalized communities. In a true democracy, *everyone* should feel that their voice matters. That their vote can make a difference. This is why we work so hard to inspire and empower young people at community colleges, MSIs, and trade schools. Like so many communities, these campuses have been overlooked (or outright ignored) by both parties. Your contribution can help us change that—by mobilizing young people to get their peers engaged, involved, and committed to civic engagement.   https://lnkd.in/gwgswQyV #YouthVotes #YoungLeaders #YoungVotes #CivicInfluencers #Democracy #YoungVoices #YouthVote

Each year has its defining moments and 2023 is no exception. As we prepare for 2024 and the most crucial election in our lifetimes, Race Forward is clear that we will rise or fall together. We've recapped the six most impactful moments in racial justice from the past year. Read it on News One! https://lnkd.in/eUSYixgR #RacialJustice #RacialEquity

This year is crucial for democracy—and not just because democracy is good for thriving communities, but also because it is imperative for businesses that rely on stable governance and social cohesion. Greg's timely article in Fortune underscores the pivotal role the business community plays in supporting voter education, election integrity, and non-partisan pillars of our democratic system. This point is outlined against the backdrop of one of the companies I admire most—Patagonia—whose programs show that promoting civic participation is a net positive for business. Thanks for the reminder, and the encouragement to do better. "The election will be here before we know it—and now is the time for corporate leaders to prepare. Years from now, shareholders, stakeholders, employees, and our children will ask what we did in 2024 to stand up for our democracy." Along these lines, I'm thankful for the work of the Hispanic Federation and Hispanics in Philanthropy to ensure we do our part to register more Latinos to vote and remove barriers to civic participation. There is much work to be done, and we all have a role to play. https://lnkd.in/gdRy2JQh #Democracy #CivicEngagement #BusinessForDemocracy