In 1999, a small group of community leaders came together to close the voter turnout gap between white, suburban areas and urban communities of color. That group helped to found MassVOTE, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that seeks to increase voter participation in the state of Massachusetts.
Today we work to increase voter registration, education, and participation in historically underrepresented communities throughout Massachusetts. We also promote social, economic, environmental, and racial justice.
Calling All Young Civic Leaders
The Young Civic Leaders (YCL) Program is MassVOTE's flagship initiative dedicated to empowering and educating the next generation of civic leaders. Our program is designed for high school students from diverse backgrounds across Massachusetts, focusing on equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become active and engaged citizens.
Our mission to enhance participation in the political system through education, involvement, and activism is reflected in our primary projects:
DEMOCRACY FOR ALL
Democracy for All originates from those who labored to build a culture of civic participation among historically disenfranchised groups in underserved communities nationwide. Today, these communities form the "rising electorate" of Massachusetts, encompassing people of color, naturalized citizens, youth, and low-income voters. The Democracy For All program carries on this legacy by promoting non-partisan voter education, engagement, and participation in our democratic system.
FAIR ELECTIONS AGENDA
For over a decade, we have been actively promoting voter participation and fair elections through legislative advocacy, voter activation, and educational initiatives. The Fair Elections Agenda is committed to ensuring transparency, access, and fairness in electoral legislation and processes. It strives to safeguard and uphold the principle of equal opportunity for all individuals to participate, vote, and contribute their voices to shape our sociopolitical future.
YOUNG CIVIC LEADERS
Our Young Civic Leaders program empowers high school students in Boston with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active participants in civic life. Aimed at cultivating a new generation of socially conscious leaders, the program invites students aged 15-19 to engage in a transformative journey centered around voter education, advocacy, and community engagement. Participants undergo a structured curriculum over the course of a school year, emphasizing key topics like the history of voting rights, voter suppression, and the significance of local and national elections.
WOMEN'S PIPELINE FOR CHANGE
