This document discusses a neighborhood-based initiative called "We Vote" that aims to increase voter awareness, information, and participation in Grand Rapids Public School Board of Education elections. Voter turnout in some neighborhoods during the last election was less than 15%. We Vote is a nonpartisan, collaborative effort that launched as a pilot program in 2008 focusing on three neighborhoods. The initiative seeks to empower communities and individuals by making their collective voice heard in school board elections, which have a direct impact on neighborhoods and students' success. Residents are encouraged to get involved through activities like distributing materials and coordinating election-related events.

1. If your community matters to you, your school board matters. We Vote.

2. We Vote The unique focus of our local League A nonpartisan, collaborative effort to increase awareness of, information about, and participation in the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education election.

3. Our vote… Personal tool Collective voice for action for communities Our schools… Centerpiece of neighborhoods Catalysts for success in our community

4. Our challenge… In some Grand Rapids neighborhoods, less than 15 percent of community members voted in the last Board of Education election. Our school board matters. We Vote. Our community matters.

5. We Vote A neighborhood-based voting initiative 2008 Pilot Year Three neighborhoods About 2500 households Average participation rate of 7.9 percent (2004)

6. First ward Buchanan Elementary 4.56% participation 2004 election

7. Second ward Coit Creative Elementary 6.33% participation 2004 election

8. Third ward Alexander Elementary 12.81% participation 2004 election

9. Our partners Dyer-Ives Foundation Nokomis Foundation Grand Rapids Public Schools Community Research Institute Grand Rapids Community Media Center Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails Hispanic Center of Western Michigan

10. What you can do Create and distribute We Vote yard signs Create and distribute informational materials Coordinate election day parties Create and distribute Voter Guide Plan and coordinate Candidate Forum Support Election Day activities within neighborhoods (e.g., poll worker, door-to-doors)

11. Our school board matters. We Vote. Get involved now! www.WeVoteGR.org