Gubernatorial elections create a key moment to elevate the opportunities and challenges facing infants, toddlers, and families. Governors shape state priorities, budgets, and policies that affect young children and the systems that support them.
This toolkit helps organizations engage strategically during the campaign cycle while staying within the boundaries of nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) issue-focused advocacy. While this toolkit focuses specifically on gubernatorial elections, the same principles apply to elections at every level of government — from city council to President.
Rather than prescribing a single approach, the toolkit is designed to help organizations:
- Select a goal for what you want to accomplish in the election cycle
- Choose strategies that align with your strengths and access
- Use tactics that move those strategies forward
You do not need to use every tactic in this toolkit. Your engagement will be most effective if you choose one clear goal and a set of aligned strategies and tactics that play to your strengths.
A customizable planning template is also available to help translate these concepts into a practical campaign workplan.
It’s important for all of us to know the do’s and don’ts of working with elected officials and candidates for public office. Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are prohibited from taking any actions that indicate support for, or opposition to, a candidate for public office. But that doesn’t mean we need to sit backquietly. During election season, 501(c)(3) organizations can continue to advocate for public policy change, and can play important roles in educating the public about candidates and encouraging people to vote. Staff must remember to avoid any actions, either in their professional or personal capacity, that could suggest their organization supports or opposes a candidate for public office. Learn more in our toolkit: Guidance for Engaging with Candidates – NCIT – The National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers
