Election Day Ministries/Opportunities       If your congregation hosts a voter precinct:             *Take an objective/critical look at your facility and the message it sends. Think about the   message placed on the outside changeable sign as well as the ‘messages’ not on sign boards.                         junk piled up in the corner or on tables = un-kept                         dirty windows or scuffed up walls = lack of care                         6 month or older magazines or materials on display = dated                Removed/Repair anything that sends unwanted messages               *Reflect on what message you want to communicate and how you could send that message.                         Warmth = fire in fireplace (if there is one in the room)                                          heat on in the building at the proper levels (not a time to scrimp on energy)                                          provide hot coffee/chocolate, water, tea and possibly other drinks                         Acceptance = pay attention to ‘barriers’ that communicate a lack of acceptance such as                                          having one of double doors locked making it hard for wheelchairs to get in,                                          or having no signage telling where things are, or the hallways dark so that                                          people unfamiliar would feel insecure and have a difficult time finding their way                         Relevance = have a video or poster that highlights current issues (e.g. disasters, social                                          issues) and what the congregation is doing to meet the needs.  In displays be                                          sure to use pictures representing various age groups, both sexes, different races                                          and economic groups, etc.                         Comfort = provide snacks (e.g. rolls, candy), places to sit, area for children to be      entertained (e.g. games, TV with DVD), signage to bathroom/exits/entrances      and other needed places in the building, and possibly music playing softly.                         Care = kept the building clean making the round several times during the day (especially                                          the bathrooms), be available for needs or questions.               *Offer people a way to pass the time.  If it is a busy election people can be waiting for quite   awhile and it is an opportunity to be helpful to them as well as to communicate with them.             *Create special displays (videos, posters, bulletin boards, etc) that capture attention and               reflect what God brings to life.  These must be well done, colorful, and appealing.                         *Pictures of youth or children in active events in which there are smiles.  These                           can be mission activities, games, or having discussions.                         *Video of a special event at the church (make sure it is one that would appeal to    non-congregation members).                         *Display of what special groups/classes/events the congregation offers (e.g.   different mission efforts, social groups, study groups).                         *Possibly have televisions on (check with precinct officials about what can and cannot be                           shown)                         *Have a person who checks out mp3 players or dvd players while they are waiting.                         *Care for the precinct workers.  Make the worker’s experience positive and good both because               they need to be shown care and also because their ‘mood’/’attitude’ will greatly impact the               experience of the voters and by transference how voters feel about ‘this place’.   If your congregation doesn’t host a precinct then you can still grab the opportunity to make a difference.  Many of the above ideas can still be done but will take more coordination, since you will have to choose a place to help out and move things there.  You will also need to check with the property owner prior to that day to get authorization and you will also need to make arrangements to move the materials you will be using (e.g. loading coffee pots in a van or truck and have it available in the parking lot).  Some ideas:        *check with the property owner to see if you could set up a beverage station in the lobby      *check with the property owner to see if you could act as host(ess) or greeter.  If so identify where        things are located so that you can give directions.  Also bring materials to clean bathrooms, etc. if that        would be needed.      *bring chairs especially if there will be people waiting outside      *have materials about the church around, don’t push them but have them noticeable      *be creative and brainstorm what things would be helpful to those at this site and with the current        weather situation.                                                                                                               November 8, 2011