Lend your voice, cast your vote

The unemployment rate is at a high, foreclosures are on the rise, and more and more people are struggling to meet their basic needs. You may feel like you don't have the power to change conditions this region faces. But you do.

Advocacy is an important element to provoking change in your community. By using your voice and speaking out about issues that are important to you, you can influence others to share a stake in what you believe. One form of advocacy is to simply cast your vote.

This year's election offers an excellent time to speak out and take a stand on issues. The presidential race is in the forefront, but there are also 264 candidates running for 55 positions at the federal and state level across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, and those individuals have even more power to make changes to this region than the person who is elected president.

Through our research, we've learned the issues that are important to you and formed our Agenda for Change based on those issues. We know you want people to have an education that leads to a steady job, an income that can support a family, and access to basic needs in times of crisis. We urge you to think about those important issues when considering who you want to serve as your elected representatives.

Now is a great time to become educated on the candidates seeking election in your community, and if necessary, contact them to learn their thoughts about the issues that matter to you. A little investigative work will go a long way in helping you make an informed decision during the primary on August 5 and the general election on November 4.

Below is a list of questions you can use when communicating with candidates. These are based on the three issues you told us are most important to a thriving region: Education, Income and Basic Needs. To find a list of people running for office in your community, as well as their contact information, click here and enter your ZIP code.

1. If elected, what would you do to help ensure long-term financial stability for all Americans?
2. What would you do to enhance job growth and opportunities in Michigan?
3. If elected, what would you do to increase the chances of all children graduating from high school?
4. What attempts would you make to improve public education?
5. What would you do, if elected, to ensure quality, affordable, accessible healthcare for all?
6. If elected, what would you do to help ensure that all families can meet their basic needs of food, heat, and shelter?

Developing Community-Minded Business Leaders for Taiwan and China
By Professor Jerry Lindman, J.D.

This month, please welcome our guest columnist Jerry Lindman, who will discuss American business's unique commitment to community service.

I am writing this article midway through teaching my graduate course on management of nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). Usually my students are talented and dedicated nonprofit professionals from Southeast Michigan. However, once a year, my class consists entirely of graduate students from Taiwan and China. Midway through this session, I am again reminded of the deep traditions of giving and service that uniquely pervade our society.

These students are pursuing an MBA from Lawrence Technological University’s International Program in Vancouver, Canada. They pursue a business education from an American university because it is highly valued.

The American business education is highly valued to eastern societies because of its emphasis on individual critical thinking and initiative, coupled with a focus on the free market. However, at Lawrence Technological University, there is also a focus on the unique commitment to community service, social responsibility, and sustainability that American business leaders possess.

Moving through the nonprofit and NGO sector course curriculum, the first barrier students face is grasping fundamental concepts like volunteerism, giving and service. Though these students are some of the best and brightest I teach, such concepts are ‘foreign’ to them because they are uniquely American traits.

The class struggles with why American law allows for such a tax-advantaged organization as a 501c3 charitable nonprofit. “Why would your society allow such a loss of tax revenue?” one student asks. Other politely worded questions go to the heart of our tradition, such as:

• Why do Americans give money to organizations and causes that they know little about?
• Why do American companies give paid time off for employees to volunteer?
• Why do American companies encourage giving to charitable organizations through workplace giving programs such as United Way?

Though I have learned that eastern culture has its own means of caring for the needy and disadvantaged and providing community service, such traditions inherently woven into the business culture is something new to my students. However, they are eager to learn and very capable of understanding and evaluating these "new" business management strategies. And, the more they think about it, the more it makes sense to them.

It is always a rich experience introducing a classroom of talented, future Taiwanese and Chinese business leaders to the practices of giving and volunteerism that are so deeply rooted in American and Canadian business culture. Students are puzzled and surprised that North American business leaders have long carried out this unique tradition. I find it one of our finest exports.

About the Author: Professor Jerry Lindman, J.D. is Director of the Center for Nonprofit Management at Lawrence Technological University, a program of the Graduate College of Management offering graduate education and community outreach programming focused on advancing professional management at charitable nonprofit organizations. For more information, email lindman@ltu.edu

Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer for United Way -- Use Facebook

Do you enjoy social networking and meeting others who share common goals and values? Then we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

United Way of America has created a challenge on Facebook among United Ways across the nation to heighten awareness of the impact we are making on communities each day. The challenge is taking place in three phases, with cash prizes awarded to the top United Way in each phase. All money won during the challenge will be used to increase our work with young adults and college campuses across the region.

Phase one concluded on June 29 and thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and friends on Facebook, we took home the top prize of $2,500 with our cause, 10,000 Strong for ASB Detroit 2009.

Though we won, the challenge isn't over yet. We need to keep the momentum going to win the second phase, which has a cash prize of $5,000 attached to it. The winning United Way in this phase will have the most "Active Recruiters" on its cause -- meaning the most individuals who recruit three or more people to join the cause.

If you're on Facebook, we know you have at least a few friends you could ask to join this important cause that will help revitalize metro Detroit through United Way's Alternative Spring Break program. If you're not on Facebook, now is the perfect time to join. Simply log on and follow the instructions to create a profile.

Once you have a profile, go to the Applications section of your Facebook page and search for the Causes application. If it isn't already, download it to your Facebook page and search for the Cause entitled "10,000 Strong for ASB Detroit 2009". Then, join the cause and invite three or more of your friends to also join. As they join, please ask them to invite three of their friends. This allows our cause to spread across your group of friends and their friends and their friends and so on, which will ultimately help us win phase two. If you are already a member of the cause, simply become an active recruiter by inviting three more of your friends who haven't joined yet.

Phase two continues until August 31 when the winner will be announced before the final phase of the challenge begins on September 1.

Facebook is a great way to stay connected to colleagues, friends and family as well as make a difference in issues that matter to you. Please take a few moments to participate in this challenge next time you log on to your Facebook page. Just a few mouse clicks can help bring $5,000 to your community.

Upcoming Events
Vote this primary season

On August 5, many cities in our region will have primary elections for federal and state government. At United Way, we believe public policy is a necessary tool to creating lasting change in our region. That policy starts with our elected officials.

The upcoming primary season is an important opportunity to cast a vote for the representatives you believe can make a difference in our community. To learn about the candidates running in your district and to locate your polling place, click here and enter your ZIP code.

If you aren't registered to vote and are over the age of 18, now is a great time to do so. With the general election just a few short months away, you have the opportunity to impact the future of our region, state, and the entire nation simply by casting your vote. United Way can help you register by clicking here and clicking on "Register to Vote".

Kurt's Corner
Who's deciding our elections? Voter turnout by the numbers

According to a report recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 96 million people voted in the 2006 congressional elections, an increase of 7 million from 2002. About 48 percent of voting-age citizens cast a ballot in 2006, the highest since 1994 when the Census Bureau first began collecting this data. The voting rate in the Midwest was higher at 53 percent than any other region.

These data are based on responses to the November 2006 Current Population Survey - Voting and Registration Supplement. The report examines the levels of voting and registration, characteristics of citizens who either registered or voted, and the reasons why people who were registered did not vote. Voting and registration rates are historically lower in years with congressional elections than in presidential election years, and therefore data are only compared with previous “off-year” elections.

Among citizens of voting age, 68 percent were registered to vote in 2006, compared with 67 percent who were registered in 2002. Overall, 136 million people were registered in 2006, an increase of approximately 8 million over 2002. Michigan ranked at No. 10, tied with Kentucky, with a registration rate of 73.4 percent. This represented an increase over 2002’s registration rate of 72.2 percent, when Michigan also ranked tied with Iowa for the No. 10 spot. The highest rate of citizen registration was in North Dakota – 83.6 percent, followed by Maine at 79.3 percent. On the low end were Hawaii (55.2 percent) and Nevada (56.2 percent).

While registration is necessary before one can vote, it does not guarantee that the registrant will actually vote. Among registered voters, just 71 percent reported voting in 2006, compared with 69 percent in 2002. Michigan did quite a bit better than the national average with a 77.8 percent voting rate, and considerably improved upon its 2002 share of 69.6 percent. Nevertheless, this was only good enough for 12th place, as Montana took the lead with an 85.0 percent rate, and Louisiana came in last at 55.1 percent. Michigan’s rate in 2002 was only 69.6 percent

Among those who did not vote, about four out of 10 cited conflicting schedules or illness as reasons. About two in 10 were either not interested in voting or did not like the candidates. Other reasons for not voting included being out of town, forgetting to vote, registration problems, inconvenient polling locations, transportation issues, and bad weather. None of this detail was made available at the state level, though the general themes are probably relatively consistent across states.

The Census study provides the only data (with the exception of limited exit polling) on the demographic characteristics of voters and non-voters. Among their findings:

• Non-Hispanic white citizens had the highest level of voter turnout in the November 2006 election at 52 percent, followed by black citizens at 41 percent, and both Hispanics and Asians at 32 percent. While Michigan followed this order, each group’s voting percentage was higher than national averages. In fact, there was no difference between whites and blacks (57.6 percent and 57.4 percent respectively), while Hispanics were significantly higher than the nation (47.4 percent).
• In terms of Michigan’s registration rates in 2006, non-Hispanic whites had the highest registration rate (74 percent), followed by blacks (71 percent), Hispanics (66 percent) and Asians (57 percent). Each easily surpassed the national rate.
• While slightly trailing Mississippi, Alabama and the District of Columbia in the percent of African Americans who registered, Michigan led all other states in the overall percent of African Americans who voted in 2006 – 57.4 percent, as well as the percent of registered voters who turned out to vote – 81.0 percent. The closest states in these two categories were Maryland (52.8%) and Massachusetts (79.5%).
• Michigan also came out at, or near, the top for Hispanic registration and voting rates. 65.8 percent of Michigan Hispanic citizens registered to vote, placing it in a tie with Ohio for the No. 1 rank. Michigan ranked fourth, at 47.4 percent, for the percent of its Hispanic residents who voted, behind New Mexico, Missouri and Maryland. When only registered voters are taken into account, Michigan’s voting rate of 72.3 percent places it in eighth place. Hispanics in Maryland had the highest voting rate – 85.5 percent.
• In 2006, 22 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds voted compared with 63 percent of people 55 and older.
• Although 18- to 24-year-olds had the lowest voting and registration rates (22 percent and 46 percent), they increased their registration and voting rates by roughly three percentage points between the 2002 and 2006 elections.
• Among the general voting-age population, 69 percent of women and 66 percent of men registered to vote in the 2006 congressional elections. In Michigan the rates were 72.4 and 74.3 percent, respectively.
• While Michigan women overall were slightly more likely to vote than men (57.4 percent compared with 56.7 percent), a higher percentage of registered men turned out to vote (78.4 percent) than did registered women (77.2 percent).
• In 2006, 93 percent of voting-age citizens were native-born citizens. Of the estimated 221 million people of voting age, 34 million were not citizens at birth. Of those, 14 million (42 percent) were naturalized citizens.
• In 2006, a larger percentage of native-born citizens (69 percent) registered than naturalized citizens (54 percent). Native citizens also had a higher voting turnout rate (49 percent compared with 37 percent).
• Married people had higher rates of both registration (75 percent) and voting (56 percent) in 2006 than non-married people.
• Divorced women had higher registration rates (67 percent compared with 60 percent) and voting rates (45 percent compared with 41 percent) than divorced men.
• The registration and voting rates of citizens with bachelor’s degrees (78 percent and 61 percent, respectively) were higher than those of citizens who had not received a high school diploma (48 percent and 27 percent).
• The voting rate of citizens living in families with annual incomes less than $20,000 was 31 percent, which is lower than the rate among families with incomes of $50,000 or more (59 percent).

Table 1. Reported Voting and Registration of the Voting-Age Population, by Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin, for Michigan: November 2006

Local Trends Since 2000

August 5 is the date of Michigan’s primary election. This is the time when voters will go to the polls to determine the finalists – for state Senate, state House, county Commissions, and more - from each party who will run in November. Years of redistricting have shown that most districts tend to skew either heavily Democratic or Republican. As a result, primaries have been shown to be the determinant of the ultimate victor in November. In other words, if a state Senate District has shown a preponderance of Democratic representation over time, it is almost assured that the person who wins the Democratic Primary will win the General Election. Why then is voter turnout so low in our primaries?

Figure 1 illustrates the percentage of eligible voters, at the state level, who have turned out for primary and general elections every two years since 1984. Two findings are clear from the data:

• A higher share of eligible voters turn out in presidential election years than in “off-year” elections, even though we vote for governor and a host of other offices in those years. The average turnout in presidential years is 59 percent, while only 43 percent show up to vote in off-year elections.
• Primary turnout tends to be abysmal, whether it is during a Presidential cycle or not. In fact, the 18.1 percent turnout in a presidential year is actually less than the 18.7 percent in an off year.

Figure 1. Percent of Eligible Voters Who Voted in Primary and General Elections, 1984 – 2006

Click here to view a full-sized version of this graph.

These results show that, on average, less than 18 percent¹ of the electorate is truly responsible for electing our representatives. How can we complain about politicians and the legislation they pass, or don’t pass, when we are not willing to spend the brief amount of time it takes to participate in our democratic process?

Figure 2 provides a slightly different look at voting patterns in Southeast Michigan. Due to the fact that primary results are not available separately for Detroit, we are looking at total voter turnout during the last four November elections. It is readily apparent that off-year elections turn out fewer voters in each of the four areas. In fact, the share of off-year to presidential year voter turnout ranges from a low of 71 percent in Detroit to a “high” of 79 percent in Oakland County.

Figure 2. Voter Turnout in Southeast Michigan, 2000 – 2006

Click here to view a full-sized version of this graph.

On August 5, Michigan residents will once again have the opportunity to participate in one of the most important activities there is – voting. This decade has been an extremely difficult one for our state and region. Whatever your situation in life, YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT! While our primary will not determine the presidential contenders, it will determine many other state and local office holders, and they are the individuals that have the power to create the most change right here in our community. Show your support by casting your vote on August 5.

¹The 18 percent of the electorate that shows up for a primary does represent Democratic, Republican and other votes. As a result, the eventual winner in November got there with less than 18 percent of voters supporting him/her.

Take Action Now
Speak out for financial literacy

On May 13, Michigan Senate Bill 834 passed unanimously (38-0) and was referred to the Michigan House of Representatives Education Committee for consideration. This bill seeks to ensure all high school students have access to a course in financial literacy before graduation. If the bill passes the House of Representatives, it will become the first step toward that goal. The Department of Education, financial institutions, and people who recognize the value of financial literacy and fiscal responsibility support the bill.

“This bill promotes and permits, but does not mandate, that financial literacy be among the options of courses eligible to fulfill the math requirements under the revised curriculum standards,” said state Sen. Mike Switalski, (D-Mich. 10) who introduced the bill in October 2007. “Financial literacy would be both a valuable and a popular course for students.”

The current level of bankruptcies, foreclosures, and savings rates speak to just how necessary it is to equip individuals with financial literacy training early on. Also, a recent survey of high school seniors showed that many of them still have a lot to learn about important financial concepts. Among the findings:

• Less than half knew that a credit card holder only paying the minimum amount on monthly card balances will pay more in annual finance charges
• Only 17% knew that stocks are likely to yield higher returns than savings bonds, savings accounts and checking accounts
• Only 40% knew they could lose their health insurance if their parents become unemployed
• Only 36% knew that a house financed with a fixed-rate mortgage is a good hedge against a sudden increase in inflation

No further action has been taken on this bill since it was referred to the Michigan House of Representatives on May 13. In order to draw attention to this important bill and provoke action, we need to contact our state representatives and urge them to support the bill and ensure its quick passage. To do so, click here.