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How to Work With Candidates and Remain Non-Partisan
Lights On Afterschool! provides an excellent
opportunity for candidates to come to your program and
speak to constituents about their commitment to afterschool.
The presence of candidates can raise the profile of your event and increase media attention.
Don't miss this opportunity because you are worried about remaining non-partisan, or appearing to endorse a particular candidate. You can host a candidate for office and still remain non-partisan.
Tips
Tip 1:
In order to not show favoritism towards a particular
candidate, when issuing invitations to a "Lights
on Afterschool" event, it is a good idea to invite
all major candidates running for a particular office.
A candidate for office may be invited to participate
in a "Lights on Afterschool" event in either
their capacity as a candidate or in their individual
capacity other than a candidate. If they are speaking
as a candidate make it clear from the beginning that
this is not a campaign event (see Tip 2). If they
are speaking in their individual capacity, then it
is not necessary to invite an opponent, however we
recommend that you do so. Have everyone share how
important afterschool programs are to the community!
Tip 2:
If you are inviting incumbent legislators who are
also running for election to speak at the event, make
it clear from the beginning that they may speak about
the issue and not give a campaign speech. They may
not distribute campaign literature, solicit votes,
recruit campaign volunteers or collect campaign contributions,
or have their staff or volunteers engage in those
activities. Again, we encourage you to invite all
candidates to your event.
Tip 3:
Avoid giving an award to anyone who is a candidate
for election, because it may be perceived as an endorsement
of that candidate. In certain cases, where multiple
people are receiving an award, it would be acceptable
to include a candidate for office as an awardee.
Tip 4:
Be careful when drafting press materials, website
information or published resources that describe your
afterschool program or "Lights On Afterschool"
event if those materials include any description of
a candidate for office. The information should be
viewed as news coverage and not as support or opposition
towards a particular candidate.
Tip 5:
If you are writing a letter to the editor or an op-ed
piece on the significance of the "Lights On Afterschool"
event, be sure that the piece is a pure discussion
of issues pertaining to afterschool programs and not
a piece that supports or opposes a particular candidate.
This document is a brief discussion of information
that may be helpful to you as your plan a "Lights
On Afterschool!" celebration. If you have additional
questions about specific situations, you should speak
with an attorney.
Sample Invitation Letter for 501(c)3 Programs
Dear [NAME]:
On October 18, 2007, our afterschool program will be participating in the seventh annual national Lights On Afterschool celebration. We will be one of more than 7,500 sites across the nation that will help
send the message that afterschool is key to children's
success, and that we must keep the lights on and the
doors open after school. Local parents, media, employers,
artists, neighbors, school officials and others have
been invited to help us rally support for safe, stimulating
afterschool programs.
We would like you to be part of our local celebration
scheduled
Date and time:
Place:
Address:
Our program is going to include a half hour ceremony
and we would be honored to have you describe their
role in the ceremony.
Because [ORGANIZATION NAME] is a tax-exempt organization
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
we cannot support or oppose any candidate for public
office and our Lights On Afterschool event must be
a strictly non-partisan manner. All public officials
and candidates for office who are invited to participate
at the event are asked not to use it as a campaign
opportunity in any manner, including distributing
campaign literature, soliciting votes, recruiting
campaign volunteers or collecting campaign contributions.
These rules apply to staff and supporters as well.
The benefits of quality afterschool programs are clear.
They support working families by ensuring that children
are safe and productive when the school day ends.
Quality afterschool programs make our communities
stronger by involving students, parents, business
leaders and volunteers. Quality afterschool programs
give children the opportunity to discover hidden talents
as they grow academically and socially.
I look forward to having you join us for Lights
On Afterschool on October 18. I will call you
next week to confirm your availability. We hope that
you will help us keep the lights on for afterschool
so that we can inspire all our children toward a brighter
future.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME, TITLE]
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