Democracy Voucher Program
Through a partnership between Literacy Source and the City of Seattle, our Student Leaders class gives adult learners the opportunity to build leadership skills while educating their communities about Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program. During this service-learning course, students learn how the Democracy Voucher Program works, develop outreach projects, and share information with others about how to participate in local elections.
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This spring, Student Leaders visited classes across our community to present information about the program and encourage their peers to engage in local government. Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program gives eligible residents four $25 vouchers to support participating candidates, creating a new way for residents to participate in city elections and ensuring that more voices can be heard.
Students shared how meaningful it was to gain knowledge and use their voices to support their communities:
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“I think the DVP classes are excellent, not only because of what I've learned, but also because it's important to be able to share this information with many people who don't really know about the Democracy Voucher Program or its importance. Being able to participate in these classes is not only beneficial for the students, but also for the community, and it helps strengthen democracy.”
— Maria Esperanza​
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“The democracy vouchers program shows citizens that politics isn't foreign to them, empowering them to organize and support candidates who address their needs. Participating for the first time helped me truly understand the importance of civic involvement and having a voice on the city council. It is a valuable system that other cities should definitely replicate.”​
— Angela
Elena, the Literacy Source instructor leading the program, reflected on the impact of the class: “Every year when I get a new group of student leaders I never cease being amazed at their leadership and community building skills. This uniquely designed class motivates our students and provides opportunities for them to demonstrate their skills and abilities beyond the daily survival. The potential that sits within them that is so hard to cultivate through language and immigration barriers blooms in this environment.”
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Through programs like Student Leaders, Literacy Source supports adults not only in building English and literacy skills, but also in developing confidence, leadership, and the ability to participate fully in their communities.​