Fostering Constructive Engagement Post U.S. Election-Post Election Guide/Toolkit

Post Election Guide/Toolkit
Pdf Summary
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) proposes a comprehensive post-U.S. election planning guide, emphasizing the importance of a proactive strategy to support educational institutions in ensuring community well-being, maintaining institutional integrity, supporting diverse stakeholders, and enhancing crisis preparedness.<br /><br />### Key Strategies:<br />1. **Ensuring Community Well-being**:<br />   - **Emotional and Mental Health**: Provision of mental health services and creation of safe spaces for discussion.<br />   - **Conflict Prevention**: Anticipating conflicts and preparing crisis management protocols for quick response to harassment or violence.<br /><br />2. **Maintaining Institutional Integrity**:<br />   - **Neutrality and Trust**: Adopting a nonpartisan stance and consistent messaging to maintain credibility and trust.<br />   - **Demonstrating Leadership**: Providing clear, stable guidance to showcase commitment to community well-being and set a positive example for others.<br /><br />3. **Supporting Diverse Stakeholder Needs**:<br />   - **Inclusive Engagement**: Tailoring support to different stakeholder groups and encouraging open, respectful dialogue.<br />   - **Strengthening Relationships**: Reinforcing ties with alumni, donors, and students by listening to their concerns and offering support.<br /><br />4. **Enhancing Crisis Preparedness**:<br />   - **Readiness and Response**: Preparing for various post-election scenarios through resource allocation and risk mitigation strategies.<br />   - **Continuity of Operations**: Ensuring essential services and support systems are maintained.<br /><br />### Pre-Election Checklist for Advancement Professionals:<br />1. **Internal Preparation**:<br />   - Form a crisis communication team and update the crisis management plan.<br />   - Establish communication channels, develop consistent, empathetic messaging, and train staff on neutrality and conflict resolution.<br />   <br />2. **Security**:<br />   - Familiarize with campus security and potential election-related risks, collaborating regularly with security teams.<br />   <br />3. **Constituent Communication**:<br />   - Prepare initial nonpartisan statements and communicate with key stakeholders about support plans and post-election activities.<br /><br />4. **Monitoring and Assessment**:<br />   - Implement a strategy for social media and news monitoring, gather real-time feedback, and coordinate with security for potential disruptions.<br /><br />### Post-Election Activities:<br />- **Community Activities**: Plan activities to foster engagement, mutual support, and positive community building.<br />- **Support Services**: Promote mental health and wellness resources and host wellness workshops and support groups.<br /><br />### Considerations for Specific Institutions (HBCUs, MSIs, Community Colleges):<br />1. **Diverse Population Engagement**: Support services catering to diverse needs, promoting workforce development, and engaging local communities.<br />2. **Cultural and Emotional Support**: Acknowledge the impact of the election on various communities, providing culturally sensitive support.<br />3. **Safety and Security**: Coordinate with campus security to ensure safety during politically charged times.<br /><br />The guide underscores the importance of maintaining neutral and sensitive communication, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment for all community members.
Keywords
CASE
post-election planning
community well-being
institutional integrity
diverse stakeholders
crisis preparedness
mental health
nonpartisan stance
inclusive engagement
crisis management