Houston Voting WORKS

As one of the most populated cities in the country, Houston has a unique opportunity to shape the future of democracy.

Featured Event: Election Readiness Workshop with Elizabeth Doty

Get Ready for Election Season with this Workshop for Houston Workplaces

In today’s fast-changing world, workplaces face a range of challenges that can seem overwhelming—political tensions, election concerns, and navigating tough decisions in a polarized environment. But instead of seeing these as obstacles, organizations can turn them into opportunities for growth and preparation.

Join us on September 4th at the Houston Endowment for a hands-on, action-packed workshop designed to help your organization thrive.

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand Corporate Political Responsibility: what it means to be a responsible corporate player in today’s political landscape

  • Practical Frameworks for Decision-Making: tools to help make well-reasoned decisions that your organization can stand by

  • Hands-On Practice: More than a lecture - explore real-world scenarios and see how they apply to your workplace

  • Election Toolkit for Houston: Get copy-and-paste communications templates, sample paid-time-off-to-vote policies, and more resources to share with your employees

Who Should Attend

Our workshop is perfect for executives, managers and professionals in Human Resources, Communications, Legal, Government Affairs, CSR, Employee Resource Groups, and any employee interested in making informed decisions in today’s complex environment.

Why It’s Important

With election season around the corner, now is the time to ensure your workplace is prepared, not just to react, but to lead with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re facing external pressures or internal debates, having a clear framework will help you navigate these challenges with confidence.

Speakers

  • Elizabeth Doty - Director of the Erb Institute’s Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce (CPRT) at the University of Michigan

  • Jackie Padgett - Executive Director of IGC Institute

  • Deirdre Walsh - Chief Marketing & Culture Officer at Circuit, Co-Founder of IGC Institute

  • Frans Kopp, Retired Engineering Fellow at Shell, Civics Expert at IGC Institute

Event Details

September 4

11:30 am - 1:30 pm (lunch provided)

Houston Endowment: 3683 Willia Street, Houston, TX 77007

What are the Top Civic Activities for Houston Workplaces?

Encouraging civic engagement among employees is a strategic investment in the future of Houston’s business community. By supporting employees’ involvement in the democratic process, you can help create a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Houston for everyone. Here’s where to start:

Provide Civics Education

Host lunch & learns, trainings and conversations focused on civic engagement, government processes and local policy issues, helping to build a more informed, engaged workforce.

Get Out the Vote

Make it easy for employees to do their civic duty, through establishing a voting time off policy, holding a voter registration drive, or sending out (nonpartisan) information about when, where and how to vote.

Support Community

Create opportunities for employees to get involved with their local communities through nonprofit partnerships, volunteerism and philanthropic support.

Why are Workplaces Great Hubs for Civic Engagement?

Houston businesses can play a significant role in driving positive change in their workplace and their communities by promoting civic engagement initiatives. Here is why:

Established Trust

According to the most recent Edelman Trust Barometer Index, 79% of people said they trust their employer -- significantly more than any other institution. Businesses can leverage this trust to provide nonpartisan educational resources and increase civic participation.

Diverse Perspectives

Businesses are comprised of people from a variety of backgrounds with diverse interests. Promoting civic engagement among your workforce allows for a more representative electorate and creates opportunities for more inclusive conversations and greater understanding within your team.

Employee Satisfaction

Most employees feel proud to be part of an organization that contributes positively to society. By educating and empowering your teams to meaningfully participate in key activities like voting or working the polls, you can easily boost morale and job satisfaction.

Let Us Help Your Workplace

IGCI has partnered with the Houston Endowment to provide nonpartisan civic engagement resources Houston area businesses for free. We offer a variety of tools and programming for businesses, including:

  • Comprehensive Nonpartisan Resources: Our robust tools and programs are designed to help your organization provide accurate and unbiased information to your employees. These resources include state-specific voter toolkits with county-level information, educational resources on civic duties, and public policy updates.

  • Sample Employee Policies: We provide guidance on best practices for civic engagement programs, including sample voting time off policies. These templates help you empower your employees with supportive policies that encourage civic participation without compromising business operations.

  • Programs & Events: IGCI can assist your organization in planning and executing civic engagement events, such as group voting events, volunteer days, and civic education workshops. Our experience, expertise, and educational resources ensure your events are impactful and well-organized.

  • Community Partnerships: IGCI’s network of nonprofits and business coalitions allows you to connect with other civically-minded groups and organizations. This networking provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and amplifying the impact of civic engagement efforts.

IGCI’s tools can help you organization create meaningful civic engagement programs that are nonpartisan and inclusive, catering to all employees regardless of their role within the organization. We have successfully assisted numerous organizations in implementing their civic engagement programs.