Faith in Action Fund’s Flipping the Formula is an innovative strategy designed to reshape how voter engagement efforts are conducted, particularly in communities of color. Traditionally, voter engagement programs have focused on targeting frequent voters—typically older, wealthier, and often white voters. This formula tends to marginalize communities of color and younger voters, who are often underrepresented in voter participation. Flipping the Formula seeks to reverse this by centering people of color in voter engagement efforts. The strategy focuses on ensuring that every person, regardless of race or background, has the right to vote and that every vote carries equal power. Here are the key components of the strategy:
Centering Communities of Color:
Instead of focusing primarily on traditional frequent voters, the initiative prioritizes engagement with underrepresented groups, particularly people of color, to mobilize and empower them to vote.
Increasing Voter Turnout:
By focusing on communities that have historically lower voter turnout, the strategy aims to close the race and age gaps in voting participation rates.
Challenging Restrictive Voting Laws:
The strategy involves actively fighting against restrictive voting laws, such as Voter ID laws, that disproportionately impact minority communities, making it harder for them to vote.
Equitable Representation:
The ultimate goal is to ensure that voter engagement programs reflect the diversity of the electorate and that communities of color have equal influence in elections, helping to shape policies that impact their lives.
Flipping the Formula is part of Faith in Action Fund’s broader commitment to building power within communities of color, promoting social justice, and transforming the political landscape to be more inclusive and representative.