Oakland youth Trick or Vote!

by mai doan

Yesterday, over 30 high school students in Oakland went out to do door knocking for on Halloween. Adding a twist to trick or treating, our youth went out in full costume and talked to Oakland residents about voting for the propositions that directly impacting all young people. In bunny ears and face paint, we joined a national effort – Trick or Vote! – to educate voters around why it's important to vote on behalf of the young people in their community.

While many youth are not able to vote, it's important that the registered voters in their communities think about how ballot initiatives impact all of us. And who can turn down an opportunity to raise awareness in your community in dressed up as a fairy or football all-star or wearing a giant spider on your head?!

With the support of some fierce adult allies, our youth were able to knock on 247 doors and talk to over 130 people, and get candy in the process. We shared information with people about the necessity of proposition 30 for public education in California, as well as the harmful effects of corporate control supported by proposition 32.

Also, we could not have had such an amazing night without the support of our allies Californian’s for Justice who let us use their space, as well as Favianna Rodriguez for letting us use her beautiful wings for our photo booth!

Check out some pictures from our Trick or Vote photo booth and night out on the town!

Wish we knocked on your door? Check out our Strong Families’ Guide to Civic Engagement for some helpful tools to empower yourself to make decisions around whether various candidates and propositions support your family and communities. And for information on specific propositions, check out the California Calls 2012 Voter Guide! Whether you can vote or not, these are helpful tools to get your voice heard in this upcoming election.

mai doan is the SAFIRE organizer at Forward Together.