Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) and the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County (HSC) are partnering to host a nonprofit resource and voter registration fair on National Voter Registration Day, September 17th at the Main Library from 11 AM to 1 PM. This unique partnership aims to leverage the Library’s network across its 23 locations, and HSC’s network of over 200 health and human service nonprofits, in both increasing access to critical health and human services, as well as to register voters as part of a nationwide civic engagement effort.
With appreciation to our friends at 10TV, our Board Member Sonya Thesing, Executive Director of Huckleberry House, spoke about the event and this work on a recent newscast:
“We are so excited to be partnering with our great friends at Columbus Metropolitan Library to improve access to community resources and the democratic process on National Voter Registration Day,” says Michael Corey, HSC’s Executive Director. “Civic engagement and health and human services are inextricably linked, and we’ve had no better partner on supporting nonprofits over the years than the Libraries.”
The event will take place on Main Library’s Grant Plaza (front lawn). HSC’s Democracy Fellow, Lauren Sands, will be on site registering voters, and 13 of HSC’s member organizations will be offering information about their services and resources. Those organizations are as follows:
- Cancer Support Community Central Ohio
- CelebrateOne
- Equitas Health
- Godman Guild Association
- Goodwill Columbus
- Greenleaf Job Training Service
- LifeCare Alliance
- Local Matters
- Maryhaven
- Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment
- North Community Counseling Centers
- Physicians CareConnection
- St. Stephen’s Community House
Because this will be happening during lunch, a food truck will be stationed at the library for everyone’s convenience as well.
“With 23 locations serving Franklin County, we’re uniquely positioned to support voter engagement efforts,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “Connecting voters – and prospective voters – with the resources they need to make informed decisions is vital to a thriving community where wisdom prevails.”
This is just one part of CML’s and HSC’s collaboration on National Voter Registration Day. The Library’s 23 locations will be hosting volunteers who will register voters and answer voting questions 3:30-6:30 p.m. This partnership will also feature the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus, and our members at Goodwill Columbus!