ERG Voting WORKS
Employee Resource Groups are great programs, not just for improving connection and collaboration among employees, but for improving communities. Use IGCI’s ERG Civic Toolkit to easily launch and manage nonpartisan initiatives at your workplace.
Why are ERGs Great Hubs for Civic Engagement?
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were originally established to support underrepresented groups within companies; however, their potential extends far beyond these traditional DEI roles. Here is why:
Established Network
Your ERG is already established within your workplace, with defined structures, leadership, and communication channels. This existing infrastructure makes your ERG well-suited to spearhead civic engagement initiatives.
Diverse Perspectives and Inclusive Participation
Likely, your ERG represents a wide range of employee demographics and interests. This diversity enables you to engage a broad spectrum of employees in civic activities, ensuring inclusive participation and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
Alignment with ERG Mission
Many ERGs are founded on principles of social justice and community support. Civic engagement naturally aligns with these goals, providing a complementary avenue for your ERG to advocate for positive change both within and outside your organization.
What are the Top Activities Your ERG Can Lead?
Your ERG can play a crucial role in promoting active citizenship and community involvement. Here are some of the easiest ways to start:
Offer Civics Education
Organize workshops, seminars, and discussions to educate employees on civic responsibilities, government processes, and current issues. This training empowers employees with the knowledge needed to participate in civic activities effectively.
Drive Voter Participation
Play a critical role in promoting nonpartisan voter engagement, including voter registration drives, informational sessions on voting rights, and reminders about upcoming elections. Ensuring these efforts are nonpartisan is crucial to maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace environment.
Impact Community
Coordinate volunteer opportunities and community service projects, allowing employees to engage directly with their local communities. These activities can range from serving as poll workers to volunteering for civics education nonprofits.
Let Us Help Your ERG
IGCI is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that provides resources and support for workplaces to foster civic engagement. We have free, specific tools for ERG leaders, including:
Unlimited Access to Nonpartisan Resources: We provide a wealth of nonpartisan materials, including state-specific voter toolkits, educational resources on civic duties, and policy information. These resources help ensure your ERGs can offer accurate and unbiased information to employees.
Sample Policies: We offer guidance on best practices for civic engagement, including sample HR policies such as voting time off. These templates can help your ERG empower your organizations with supportive policies that encourage civic participation without compromising business operations.
Event Planning: IGCI can assist your ERG in planning and executing civic engagement events, such as group voting events, volunteer days, and civic education workshops. Our experience, expertise, and educational resources can help ensure your events are impactful and well-organized.
Community Building: Through IGCI, your ERG can connect with other civically-minded groups and organizations, including peer ERGs at other companies in your industry or region. This networking provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and expanding the impact of civic engagement initiatives.
These tools can help your ERG create meaningful civic engagement programs that are nonpartisan and inclusive, catering to all employees regardless of their role within the organization. IGCI has successfully assisted numerous organizations in implementing civic engagement programs.