As we approach another important election, Keshet is empowering adults across its programs to understand and engage in the voting process. Within our adult programs, participants are exploring their rights, learning about the election cycle and preparing to cast informed votes that reflect their values.
In the Transition program, voting education has focused on the basics: videos, worksheets and social stories from News2You and Twinkl USA to cover how voting works, who can run for president and the election cycle. What’s even more special is that many of our Transition students are voting for the first time. To celebrate this, each student also created a “Why I Vote” poster, decorating it with images and personal statements about why voting matters to them. “Voting is important because every vote counts,” shared Eric, a Transition student.
At GADOL, Keshet’s adult day program, participants met with Carole Rosen from the ARC of Illinois to understand why voting matters and how they can make their voices heard. In partnership with REV UP! Illinois, the presentation offered non-partisan strategies for getting involved and covered the five W’s of voting. Participants learned about connecting with legislators and advocating for disability rights, embracing the principle of “Nothing about us without us.” Carole encouraged our team members to get involved by reminding them, “The candidate should represent what’s important to us.”
Keshet’s voter education emphasizes the importance of choice and self-expression, which are core values of our mission. By learning about the voting process and creating a plan, participants can confidently advocate for issues that matter to them. Voting is one of the many ways that Keshet adults are embracing their roles as active community members—demonstrating that every voice deserves to be heard.
