  |
 |
Case studies
Black and minority ethnic communities
This section provides you with some ideas to help you promote electoral awareness in your area.
Don't forget to look at our toolbox and how to...files for resources on promoting public awareness.
Southwark Council: Citizens Day initiative 2005
Southwark Council was nominated as one of the four local authorities to pilot The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM) Citizens Day initiative. With the recent launch of Citizenship Ceremonies this was a great vehicle to spread the voter registration message.
As time and budget were limiting factors, Southwark Council decided to use existing events to provide a focus for their Citizens Day initiative. Citizenship Ceremonies would provide a great means to engage new citizens along with a combined voter registration drive reaching local residents.
The Citizenship Day focused on a voter registration drive targeting Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in the area held in conjunction with a number of events across the Borough to distribute citizenship information. For example, the Council set up a stall at East Street Market and the local volunteer centre.
The Citizenship Ceremony took place at the Town Hall followed by a reception with the Mayor and the leader of the Council. Senior council officers also took part to welcome the first new citizens to the Borough and explain the importance of their roles in their new communities, including the significance of voting!
A voter registration event coincided with the Citizenship Ceremony and was based outside, where a stage was set up to accommodate a variety of speakers from the Council and Operation Black Vote to raise awareness about active citizenship and its benefits. A street team of 20 people were on hand with registration forms and pens at the ready! The day concluded with a performance by a local dance group who wowed the audience with their skills on stage.
The event proved successful in reaching many more people about registration and the then forthcoming May elections through the use of outdoor activities. Registration activities resulted in 100 new electors.
Timeline: Depending upon the scope of your activity, two to three months planning and preparation
Overall budget: £4,000, covering costs for stage, sound system, transportation etc. The rest of the costs should be absorbed locally wherever possible. Resources from the authority
For more information on running a similar event contact Jamie Baker, Senior Electoral Services Officer at Southwark Council. Email: Jamie.Baker@southwark.gov.uk
