Voter Power

In 2004, Community Voices Heard implemented a non-partisan electoral program with the goals of raising voter turnout in low-income communities as well as building the capacity of the organization through engaging more community members in our organizing campaigns. Since 2004 individuals we identified and educated have voted at a rate of almost double the average in their districts. As well as raising voter turnout in low-income communities, there are two important components of the project: leadership development and building CVH's organizing campaigns. In the past three years, CVH leaders have been trained in voter outreach strategies and have taken critical roles in electoral outreach in their own communities. Secondly, the electoral projects have successfully engaged community members in organizing after the election. This builds the overall power of our organization and engages more people in our cause.

In 2009, CVH members held six candidate forums for local candidates in three of the four chapters: New York City; Newburgh and Yonkers. The forums educated members about the local candidates' platforms, while giving members an opportunity to further educate the candidates about the issues directly affecting them and their communities.