At the CAA Foundation, we work to activate popular culture to create sustainable social change. Alongside our colleagues, clients, and industry peers, we mobilize timely initiatives to raise awareness and catalyze action and forge public-private partnerships to achieve scale and impact.

One of those initiatives is the Civic Alliance—a coalition of America’s premier businesses united by a commitment to our democracy. Founded in partnership with the nonpartisan civic nonprofit Democracy Works, the Civic Alliance has built a community of more than 1,250 businesses with a reach of over 5.5 million employees.

Personally, I’m encouraged by the record voter turnout we have seen in recent years: 49.4 percent in the 2018 midterm elections and 66.8 percent in the 2020 presidential election. I am hopeful that this trend in increased voter turnout will continue and that we will break records in upcoming elections.

That said, a report from the Pew Research Center points out that voter turnout rates in the United States still  lag behind those of other countries. The U.S. is 30th out of 35 nations for which data is available; among OECD nations, Turkey leads with 89 percent).

To ensure a thriving democracy, we need the for-profit and nonprofit industries to unite in increasing civic engagement.

Through the Civic Alliance, the CAA Foundation and Democracy Works provide member companies with the resources, tools, and platforms their corporate social responsibility, social impact, marketing, human resources, and/or government affairs departments need to create strong civic actions plan.

There is so much opportunity for the nonprofit sector to engage meaningfully with for-profit institutions in efforts to increase civic engagement. For example, Civic Alliance member companies are always looking for strong organizations in their communities to partner with to help increase voter turnout.

Here are some ways in which nonprofits—regardless of issue area—can help build a dynamic culture of civic engagement in the workplace and beyond. It’s going to take all of us working together to increase voter turnout in this year’s consequential midterm elections.

• Offer time off to vote: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonprofits account for nearly one in 10 jobs in the private sector, making it one of the largest employers in the country. Nonprofits should establish a policy for both salaried and hourly employees that offers time off to get to the polls.

• Integrate voter registration into community activations: Whether it’s food drives or youth mentoring programs, organizations are always in direct contact with individuals in the community. Consider integrating voter registration messaging into an event—for example, with a printed flyer.

• Engage employees: Your employees are your best ambassadors. They represent your values and are leaders within their community. Give them messaging points that they can share with their networks.

• Offer space to vote: Office spaces or community hubs (such as community centers and/or local chapters) can also serve as prime locations for ballot drop boxes or polling locations.

• Amplify on social media: One way to extend your impact beyond your immediate community is through your audience on social media. Many of your followers look to you as a trusted source of information, so share important voter information and dates through social media channels.

There has never been a more critical time for the nonprofit and business industries to work as partners to activate their powerful networks of employees and stakeholders to participate in and build a resilient democracy. Together we can work toward breaking voter turnout records this year!

Natalie Tran is executive director of the CAA Foundation.