Sigma and Zeta Project Vote
Chapters are encouraged to continuously register and educate citizens to participate in the democratic process. We will work jointly with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to make a positive impact in our communities by registering 100,000 new voters. Chapters are encouraged to kick off voter registration drives during the months of February and March. The Sigma – Zeta Voter Registrationm Total Up Day is set for the Second Saturday in September of 2008.
The priorities of Project Vote are voter registration, voter education, voter participation and get out the vote. Prgram detail found on http://www.pbs1914.org
ΦΒΣ PROJECT VOTE
PHASE I
Just nine states can give a presidential candidate 241 of the 270 Electoral College votes necessary for election. Blacks constitute between 10 and 19 per cent of the eligible voters. What a potentially powerful force if properly harnessed. In 2004, only 38 percent of the eligible Black voters registered.
THE PRIORITIES FOR PHI BETA SIGMA AND ZETA PHI BETA PROJECT VOTE KICKS OF IN FEBURARY 2008.
VOTER REGISTRATION VOTER EDUCATION
VOTER PARTICIPATION/GET OUT THE VOTE
REGISTRATION:
Propose, Plan, Prepare – Get All Brothers Sorors Involved!
Every Sigma Brother should show proof to his chapter that he is registered to vote. Check friends/family members to ensure their registration. Organize chapter effort.
Check with local registrar on rules/requirements.
Obtain registration materials
Contact mail/shopping centers regarding permission/requirements for using.
Investigate local sources of funding
Involve local politicians/celebrities
Pick a convenient date
Advertise to the public
Have a back-up plan for date, Brothers, site
Make it a learning experience
Involve Sigma Beta Club Members
Coordinate with Zetas
Collaborate with local groups
Make it fun
EDUCATION:
Contact all candidates: Do not endorse any candidate (remember Sigma is non-partisan).
Contact all political parties: Utilize their resources, materials, and expertise.
Organize a meet the candidates forum or a discussion of vital issues workshop.
Have a breakfast. At your Fraternity house or local church. Invite other organizations.
Check local funding sources. Local non-partisan organizations.
Involve Sigma Beta Clubs: Excellent learning opportunity.
GET OUT THE VOTE!
Follow-up and follow through. Registration, education and demonstrations are for naught without the vote.
Establish a reminder phone bank. Organized car pools. Have knock-on door patrols.
Get them to the polls on time!
DOCUMENT EXPERIENCE…SUBMIT YOUR ELECTRONIC PIA FORM!
ΦΒΣ PROJECT VOTE
PHASE II – POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
Meaningful and lasting changes can best be brought about through the political process. If men of Sigma are to fulfill our mission of “Service to Humanity” in the political arena, and become positive agents of change, we must:
- Stay informed (Keep up with current evens, know backgrounds/histories)
- Join political organizations
- Donate time, money, services
- Develop a proposed platform for candidates which deals with pressing community problems and concerns
- Run for office
- Screen and select candidates for public
- Promoter and encourage positive exposure for candidates
- Volunteer as Campaign workers
Obtain list of committees in Congress, State Legislatures, County Governments, and City Councils.
Get names of Chairmen
Telephone Numbers
Fax Numbers
E-Mail Addresses
Write, telephone and visit officials to voice opinions, obtain advice, and get clarification.
Lobby and meet with elected and appointed officials to develop meaningful dialogue on, and solutions to community concerns.
Attend legislative sessions/hearings (a great field trip for the chapter and Sigma Beta Clubs).
Hold elected officials accountable. Expose and/or oppose candidates and public officials who have not been true to their platforms or who have not performed adequately.
Send letters to the editors of newspapers and periodicals.
Share knowledge and information (with local groups, national organizations within Sigma).
Did You Know That?
- One vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England!
- One vote brought Texas into the Union!
- Gave Rutherford B. Hayes the Presidency of the United States!
- Just nine (9) states can give a presidential candidate 241 of the 270 Electoral College votes necessary for election!
- Only 38% of the eligible Black voters were registered to vote in the 1992 presidential election AND that only half of them voted!
- Of the 3.6 million 18-24 year old voters, 40% registered to vote in 1992, BUT only 17% actually voted!
- Many people do not vote because they have no transportation to the polls and/or do not know where to go to vote in their community!
- It is important not only to register and vote in national elections, but also in city, county, municipal, state, and campus elections.
- Sigmas and Zetas are working together on Project Vote to get out the vote!
Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta National Voter Registration Day is set for the Second Saturday in September 2008. This is the final registration day and final reporting period.
Project Vote Program Focus kicks off in Februrary 2008 and reporing months of September, October and November.
Look for further updates at www.PBS1914.org