Creating Communities of Inclusion

In 1996, the League of Women Voters Education Fund carried out a comprehensive, nationwide get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaign that focused on getting racial and ethnic minorities and other underrepresented populations to the polls. This publication highlights some of the lessons learned in the course of the League's 1996 GOTV effort, from how to create a broad-based community coalition to what forums work best when reaching out to diverse audiences. It also includes several in-depth case studies of successful outreach efforts, and lists contact names and number for each. This guide was created to offer models and guidance to community organizations and community activists--members and nonmembers of the League alike--on what works to spur widespread involvement in local problem solving on any issue, from elections and voting to the environment, public safety, housing and more.