Integrated Voter Engagement: 2024 Porch Talks

In 2024, The Ezekiel Project brought democracy to the front steps of our community with Porch Talks, an innovative voter engagement campaign that connected directly with residents to amplify their voices and empower their votes. Combining traditional listening sessions with actionable voter education, the Porch Talks program spanned summer and fall sessions to foster meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to Saginaw’s neighborhoods.

Listening to the Community

Through Porch Talks, we created safe, informal spaces for residents to share their concerns and priorities. From housing and healthcare to education and public safety, these conversations provided valuable insights into the challenges facing our community—and opportunities for change.

Educating for Action

In addition to gathering feedback, Porch Talks helped community members navigate the electoral process with ease and confidence. Participants were educated on:

• Ballot language: Breaking down complex measures into simple, clear terms.
• Candidates: Providing nonpartisan information on who’s running for office.
• The connection between issues and voting: Showing how their votes influence the policies and resources that directly impact their lives.

Empowering Change

By integrating voter education into our annual Porch Talks campaign, we encouraged residents not just to share their voices but to use them at the ballot box. These sessions highlighted the power of civic participation, emphasizing that voting is a tool for turning ideas into action and transforming communities.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Porch Talks are just one part of our commitment to engaging, educating, and empowering voters in Saginaw. As we continue to expand our Integrated Voter Engagement efforts, we remain dedicated to building a more informed, connected, and active electorate.