Candidate Forum How-To
Knowing where candidates stand on issues is an important part of the voting process. That is why watching the candidate’s discuss key issues affecting the lives of women and people of color is one of the most important activities voters can engage in during this election season.
Determine event location and time:
- Consider hosting the event at your local YWCA.
- Choose a date and time for your event.
- Determine the purpose of the event:
Determine speakers:
- Choose your speakers and the topic you wish them to cover and the amount of time they each will have to speak.
- Choose a facilitator for your event.
Spread the word:
- Contact key individuals or groups either via phone or email and invite them to the event.
- Create and hand out fliers to individuals in your community on your event up to a week before to ensure maximum turn out. Make sure the fliers include date, time, and location.
- Place an ad in your local newspaper with information on the purpose, date, time, and location of the event to ensure that the public is aware of your event.
- Two or three days before the event send out an email reminder or place a phone call to key individuals or groups reminding them of the event and reconfirming their attendance.
- Create a sign in sheet. On the day of the event, have individuals sign in when they arrive or prior to leaving so you can follow up with them.
At the event:
- Make sure you have enough seating for participants.
- If you are planning to have a discussion after the event, choose an individual to lead the discussion.
- During your program allow for sufficient question and answer time (time for dialogue) between speakers and the audience.
- Provide pens and paper for attendees to take notes so participants can take notes about issues of concern to them or of issues they may want to discuss after the speech.
- Provide information on YWCA issues to participants so they can learn more about the issues. (comprehensive issue guide-coming soon)
Issue Ideas for Candidates to Discuss
- Racial Justice
- Affirmative Action
- Hate Crimes
- Immigration
- Violence Against Women
- Minimum Wage
- Social Security
- Equal Pay
- Federal Budget/ Investments
- Taxes
- Health Care
- Child Care and Early Education
|
