The right to vote is as American as pie. In a perfect world, all U.S. citizens would have full access and understanding of this right. But many Americans are still left out due to factors like gender, race, age, and health. The nonprofit sector has a responsibility to utilize its time, resources, volunteers, and expertise to advance the greater good — including making sure that every citizen can have a voice at the ballot box.

One group, steadfast in this mission, is the League of Women Voters, an Independent Sector member. The nonpartisan, grassroots organization takes on voter engagement to help ensure all citizens are represented in our democracy.

Founded in 1920 at the onset of the women’s suffrage movement, the League of Women Voters has evolved to tackle voter rights and information for underrepresented communities across America. The League consists of over 700 local chapters, which are crucial to voter education given the unique nature of election rules within each state and local government, as well as a national chapter.

From toolkits to informative events, the national and local leagues partner closely to successfully engage voters. This year, the League has launched another innovative partnership in a space accessible to everyone: libraries.

As a “third place” — a space between work and home — libraries naturally align with the League’s focus on equity, civic education, and access to information. With this natural alignment enters “Reader. Voter. Ready.,” a partnership between the League and the American Library Association to promote education and action for local, state, and national elections.

“We are really trying to bring in and encourage a whole new group of folks that are not traditionally focused on voting, elections, democracy, into this process,” said Adam Ambrogi, chief of external affairs at the League. With this partnership, the League hopes to provide resources and education to these groups, using the important community space of libraries.

Read the full article about this nonprofit-library partnership by Jessi Mitrovich at Independent Sector.