Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, an Indivisible group, is a grassroots nonpartisan organization that works to empower Arizona’s citizens to exercise their voices at the state level. We formed just after the 2016 federal election that inspired so many people to action, and quickly coalesced around using the Request to Speak (RTS) system as the "gateway drug to activism." We remain the only Indivisible group in Arizona that is wholly focused on the state legislature.
Since 2017, CEBV has registered nearly 10,000 Arizona residents for RTS and held over 500 trainings on its use, presenting to groups as diverse as neighborhood associations, advocacy organizations, and civic clubs. We have a readership of approximately 20,000, a broad statewide mailing list, and followers in every county and legislative district in the state. As the saying goes, "If you aren't at the table, you're probably on the menu." CEBV helps people find their seats at the table with weekly calls to action designed to drive direct advocacy and positive change. Our AZ Legislature Weekly Update covers a broad range of issues: civil rights, criminal justice, education, the environment, gun safety, health care, immigration, transparency in government, women’s rights, and many other issues. The Weekly boasts the most comprehensive coverage of any advocacy organization in Arizona, tracking an average of 25 percent of all bills introduced. CEBV has forged relationships with numerous issue-based advocacy groups to amplify our collective impact. Voting rights and direct democracy are our foundational interest, as none of the other issues is safe if we are unable to vote for and elect lawmakers who will stand up for our interests. Now in our 5th year, CEBV's advocacy has continued to grow. For the 2020 election cycle, based on district metrics and lawmakers' stances on bills tracked, we hosted 15 phone banks for pro-democracy legislative candidates and made over 10,000 calls. In 2021, CEBV began weekly Zoom Happy Hours to assist volunteers with RTS, answer questions about upcoming legislative actions, and share news and information. With an eye toward the 2022 election, we are currently forming regional legislative working teams to focus on accountability for local legislators, election best practices, redistricting oversight and accountability, letters to the editor, and more. |