Resources and opportunities

The following are the current top resources and opportunities of the Voter Education Program of WEC. Click on any to link to the related brief overview.

• Activist Trainings and Community Forums
• “Green Voter” Identification
• Polling and Research
• List Enhancement
  
• Civic Engagement

Activist Trainings and Community Forums

An engaged “base” is one of the keys to increased environmental protection. WEC-sponsored activist trainings help individuals become more effective advocates for our air, land, and water. Each year we also sponsor community forums across Washington to connect environmental supporters with their elected officials. Check back often to learn about what we have planned for later in the fall.  We will continue to organize forums and trainings in support of our goal of building capacity to support pro-environmental policies. 

“Green Voter” Identification

Each year the WEC Voter Education Program works to identify thousands of environmental supporters in places where the environmental community does not have a strong presence. These lists are used to help organize grassroots support for environmental protection, a crucial “first step” in expanding the base of environmental support in Washington.

Polling and Research

The Voter Education Program conducts nonpartisan public opinion research about the environmental interests of voters in the state. This important research informs the Priorities for a Healthy Washington process and aids our communications team in developing powerful messages. Polling helps us engage citizens who may share our values but are not acting upon them, and is a critical part of reaching key audiences and decision makers. By studying the effectiveness of specific issues, messages, and strategies, the Voter Education Program can educate the community on the most effective ways for strengthening environmental protection.

List Enhancement

List enhancement is the process of matching conservation group membership lists with external information, such as state voter records. Since 1995 this innovative program has improved the ability of environmental organizations to offer better and effective services, whether that is providing information, raising money, or public education and advocacy. The Voter Education Program pioneered the application of list enhancement technology and continues to expand this popular program.  

Civic Engagement

Environmental organizations have a great opportunity to engage their members in non-partisan ways during the 2008 elections, including ballot measures. Environmental group members need to be educated on the issues, have access to information, register to vote, and cast a ballot. The Voter Education Program will provide the tools and information necessary for our partner organizations to reach out to their members on these important issues.