In order to vote in one’s self-interest and the interest of one’s community, voters must be informed as to how government works to ensure that their government works for them. As it is naturally within the everyday reach of the voter, local government should therefore be easier to understand and influence.
Monterey County provides resources for Salinas residents for how to register and cast their vote, but they do not provide information on the substance of ballot initiatives or positions of candidates. Websites like Ballotpedia report candidate and bill information and some published debate over candidates and issues, but they are not able to educate voters on the foundational knowledge that supports amendments to state constitutions. They also are unable to capture local issues and politics. Because public libraries are inherently local and often municipal organizations, they are uniquely positioned to educate local populations on the inner workings of their own local governments.
In the interest of empowering local voters, I am seeking to launch a civic literacy workshop series at my local library. Since 1906, the Salinas Public Library has supported communication with residents that inspires productive engagement with their City government and informed participation in the democratic process (Library History, 2017). This program is designed to honor and promote the Library’s commitment to civic engagement. By partnering with both elected and appointed city officials the Salinas Public Library will deliver a curriculum that reflects the system of government that controls their physical and social environments. In providing political education, the library will empower their best advocates.
Please see my Innovation Strategy and Roadmap here.
3/17/2025 EDIT: I am realizing that my slide for Community may be a tad divisive. I would love feedback on how I can communicate my obvious dismay at the events of the election without alienating the very law makers that were put into council seats. Thanks in advance 💞
