Civic Participation

Main Street Project looks at events like the recent U.S. Census count and every election cycle as opportunities to educate, empower and engage those who often feel ignored or discriminated against. Understanding processes and individual rights and what’s at stake makes it more likely that people will participate. Getting that information in their own languages and through trusted community sources improves those odds even further. In developing and distributing multi-language civic education resources, we collaborate with local urban and rural community organizations that have strong relationships with their constituents.

Our goal is to create a culture of civic participation -- giving residents of all ages, cultures, economic and immigration status the opportunity to more fully participate in all aspects of community life.

What we’re working on

• 2012 Multi-language voter guides
  Building on the success of 2008 English/Spanish voter guides, and 2009/2010 four-language Census guides, we worked with community partners and schools to develop and distribute 20,000 four-language voter guides prior to this November’s election.
  
  In Spanish, Hmong, Somali and English, guides will explain why voting is so important, how to register and vote, offer resources for questions, and provide details about the constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot. 

• Voices for Voting Rights campaign
  We’re one of the partners in this multiracial, multicultural initiative focused on building community power, voice, and access at the polling booth and beyond. Together we’re working to educate and mobilize communities of color and the American Indian community to oppose Minnesota’s proposed voter ID amendment on this November’s ballot. Go to Voices for Voting Rights to learn more.