March 26, 2016
Leadership Training began at 2:30 pm.
Trainers:Albert W. (President)
Brenda C. (Secretary)
Howard X. (Magazine Editor in Chief)
Allison C. (Media Coordinator)
Proceedings
VIA At a Glance
501c Nonprofit Organization
Organized and run by OC High school students
Future expansion to other countries and schools expected
Mission: To educate eligible voters the importance of voting and help them to register to vote.
Political Alignment
VIA is nonpartisan
VIA does not endorse any politicians
Members have their own rights to free speech and endorsement but cannot support candidates on behalf of VIA
Mission
To call attention to the importance of voting
To engage the community and especially the youth in voting
To help eligible voters register so they can vote.
Importance of Voting
What happens if one votes?
Autonomy in choice
Better chance of getting desired outcome
Perform what one thinks is right.
Perform civic responsibility.
What happens if one doesn't vote?
Becomes victim of informed slavery
Entrusts one's lifestyle to others
One vote matters
France almost stayed a monarchy by one vote
LBJ was almost impeached by one vote
ETHOS question: Did you abandon others if you don't vote?
VIA Club Benefits
Resident's Volunteer Service Award
Working in local community
Volunteer hours eligible for school
Unique experience
Get to know one's community
Help the community
Develop friendship
Build leadership skills
What Does VIA Do?
Publication is currently under way.
Host seminars at schools and public events to help people to register to vote
Walk the Precinct to ask people to register to vote
Host fundraising events
VIA Structure
Main VIA Headquarters (VIAN) -> Individual VIA School Branches
How to set up a branch
Set up a club at school
Work with ASB/Student Government
Comply with regulations
Recruit students to form the board
Recruit students to join the VIA Club
Allocate time to VIA activites
Regular board meetings
Train volunteers on how to help people register
Host events at school and public events to help register people
Communicate with VIA HQ about events so HQ can update the website and provide any help needed
Contribute to VIA publication
Participate in certain VIA HQ events
Contact VIA HQ for any questions and help.
Registration Training
Online Voter Registration: Click here.
Key Points on the physical form
Voter must turn in form 15 days before the primary election
No preference voters will receive a choice of the open parties and are allowed to select one party to vote for.
The 2016 parties are the American Independent Party, Libertarian Party, and the Democratic Party
If the voter wants to do vote-by-mail, they have to initial in the section that state that.
Voter must sign and date the registration form or it will not be accepted.
The CA License vs the last four digits of the SSN - only one is needed.
Walk the Precinct Training
Decide on a time
Have volunteers sign up
Divide the volunteers into small groups
One adult chaperone
4-5 students
Decide on area and have maps for each group
Train all volunteers on the walking before heading out
Train volunteers on how to talk to the residents
Hand out maps, registration forms, record forms, and talking points flyers
Regroup after the walk and collect the registration forms and record forms
Discuss experiences after the walk
Safety Training
One adult chaperone per group
Chaperone needs to stay with the group at all times
Never enter the house
Don't put anything inside the mailbox
It belongs to the government, not the homeowner
Don't eat or drink anything offered by residents
Stay with the group and never act alone
Be polite and don't argue with the residents
Walk the Precinct Tips
-State Name of Organization.
Know what you are talking about.
Don't read off a script.
Don't step on other people's lawns.
Don't be too close to the doors.
Don't trespass.
Be polite.
Leadership Training ended at 3:00 pm.
Last Updated: 3/28/2016