What's Happening?
The REV UP movement, celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and The Grove Foundation are highlighting the importance of year-round advocacy to build the power of the disability vote. Both organizations recognize that civic engagement for the disability community
extends far beyond Election Day, requiring continuous efforts in leadership development, community collaboration, and resource creation. Executive Director Leslie Dorosin of The Grove Foundation, a key supporter of REV UP, emphasizes that voting is necessary but not sufficient, and that true power is built when people are engaged in their communities. The Grove Foundation's support has been instrumental in providing annual stipends to REV UP coalitions, enabling them to pay grassroots organizers, ensure accessibility, and maintain consistent engagement across various states, including complex rural and diverse communities.
Why It's Important?
This sustained focus on disability vote advocacy is critical for ensuring that the voices and needs of disabled individuals are fully integrated into the democratic process and public policy. Historically, disabled communities have faced significant barriers to participation, and year-round organizing helps dismantle these obstacles by providing necessary resources like American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART), and accessible transportation. By building strong community infrastructure and amplifying local disabled leaders, the REV UP movement, with The Grove Foundation's support, aims to create a more inclusive and representative democracy. This approach not only benefits disabled people but also strengthens the overall democratic framework by ensuring that decisions are made with a broader range of perspectives.
What's Next?
The Grove Foundation, while set to sunset in 2030, has provided invaluable support that has helped REV UP grow from a few activists to 27 coalitions. The continued operational support is crucial for these coalitions to build on their progress rather than having to restart efforts annually. Funders are encouraged to listen to and build relationships with disability-led movements, recognizing the importance of investing in infrastructure and capacity building. The goal is to ensure that disability voices gain increased recognition in broader democracy spaces, leading to more accessible, inclusive, and representative movements across all sectors. This ongoing investment will allow for the sustained development of leaders and the continuous advocacy needed to drive systemic change.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration between REV UP and The Grove Foundation underscores a deeper understanding of civic engagement as a continuous, resource-intensive process, particularly for historically marginalized communities. It highlights that true equity in democracy requires not just legal access to voting, but also the practical means and sustained support for participation. The emphasis on 'off-season' work and operational funding reveals the often-unseen labor and financial commitment required to build and maintain community power. This model suggests that philanthropy has a vital role in fostering democratic resilience by investing in grassroots organizing and ensuring that all voices, especially those often overlooked, can contribute to shaping public decisions.
