ELECTION ENGAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Q1: Can GirlTREK endorse political candidates?
No. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, GirlTREK is strictly prohibited from endorsing or opposing any political candidates. This includes making contributions to political campaigns, publicly endorsing or opposing candidates, and distributing statements in support of or against any candidate.
Q2: Can GirlTREK engage in voter education and registration activities?
Yes, GirlTREK can engage in nonpartisan voter education and registration activities. This includes conducting public forums, publishing voter education guides, and encouraging people to vote, as long as these activities are conducted nonpartisan and do not show bias for or against any candidate or party. GirlTREK gear can be worn for these activities.
Q3: Can GirlTREK members participate in political activities?
Yes, GirlTREK members are free to participate in political activities in their personal capacity. Members can endorse candidates, make personal donations to political campaigns, host fundraisers, and participate in campaign activities as private individuals. Note: Members cannot post social media photos of themselves with political candidates while wearing GirlTREK gear. GirlTREK gear cannot be worn to fundraisers, campaign events, or other partisan events. This could be interpreted as an endorsement.
Q4: How should GirlTREK members separate their personal political activities from the organization?
Members must clearly state that they are acting as private individuals and not on behalf of GirlTREK when engaging in political activities. They should avoid using the organization's name, resources, or facilities in any way that could imply the organization's endorsement or opposition to a candidate.
Q5: Can GirlTREK members use organizational resources for political activities?
No, members must not use GirlTREK’s resources for political campaign activities. This includes office space, telephones, email addresses, social media accounts, and any other resources owned or controlled by GirlTREK.
Q6: Can GirlTREK host events featuring political candidates?
If GirlTREK invites candidates to speak at an event, it must provide equal opportunity to all qualified candidates for the same office. The organization must ensure that it does not favor one candidate over another and that the event remains nonpartisan.
Q7: How should GirlTREK members handle public political statements?
Members should avoid making political statements at official GirlTREK events or in official GirlTREK communications. If they wish to speak about political matters, they should do so outside their roles within the organization and make it clear that they are expressing personal views.
Q8: What are the guidelines for social media posts?
GirlTREK members are encouraged to engage in the political process, such as promoting voter registration and mobilization. However, as a 501c3 organization, GirlTREK cannot advocate for specific political candidates. Personal social media posts of a political nature should be made on personal accounts. Posts on GirlTREK's official pages that go beyond encouraging engagement in the political process will be removed.
Q9: Can GirlTREK members participate in marches or demonstrations?
Yes, members can organize and assemble peacefully in GirlTREK gear with prior approval from GirlTREK's CEO. Requests should be sent to Info@GirlTREK.org.
Q10: Can GirlTREK members wear their gear to participate in press conferences or events that address social justice or policy issues?
Yes, members can wear GirlTREK gear to attend press conferences or events that address social justice or policy issues with which GirlTREK is aligned with prior approval from the CEO. Requests for preapproval should be sent to Info@GirlTREK.org.
Q11: Can GirlTREK members wear their gear when testifying on behalf of social justice issues?
Yes, GirlTREK gear can be worn with prior approval from the CEO. Please contact us at Info@GirlTREK.org to submit your request.
Q12: I am feeling election anxiety. Are there any resources you can share with me to help manage the stress?
Yes, we've created this ELECTION ANXIETY RESOURCE TOOLKIT to support you during, and after the polarizing election cycle.
Disclaimer: As a 501c3 organization, GirlTREK is not allowed to advocate for a particular candidate, but members can, of course, do so in their ordinary capacities and on their personal social media pages. Posts of a political nature, beyond encouraging engagement in the political process (e.g., voter registration or voter mobilization), will be removed.