LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) – I am a voter. (IAAV), a nonpartisan group creating a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement, announced today its merger into HeadCount to strengthen voter participation by sharing resources, expertise, and teams. For over two decades, HeadCount has harnessed the power of music, culture and digital media to register millions of voters and inspire participation in democracy. The two nonpartisan, nonprofit women-led voting organizations formed this merger at a crucial moment in time, as doubts continue around whether young people will come out to break the voter registration and turnout records set nationally in 2020.
“I am a voter. formed in 2018 to unify around a central truth: our democracy works best when we all participate,” said Mandana Dayani and Natalie Tran, co-founders of I am a voter. “We truly believe in the power of culture to inspire others and shape narratives. With the twenty years of critical infrastructure and programs that HeadCount has pioneered, this consolidation of expertise and resources promises to strengthen democracy and generate voter enthusiasm. We’re so grateful to be part of the HeadCount family and our collective journey ahead.”
“In this pivotal and polarizing Presidential election year, we couldn’t be more grateful to have I am a voter. as a new part of HeadCount, a merger rooted in shared values, purpose and a mutual belief that the civic space needs less ego and more collaboration to get things done,” said Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director of HeadCount. “Together, at a time when potential youth voters don’t feel seen, and their participation is questionable, our collective, influential relationships across core cultural sectors from music and entertainment to sports and fashion will further our ability to meet next-gen voters where they are. This kind of partnership brings the biggest names in America to the table along with the education, resources, and energy that young people need come November.”
HeadCount and IAAV have always led with a culture-first strategy to align democracy with people and brands this generation looks to most. The two entities have tapped young voters through the influence of celebrities and brands such as Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Rodrigo, NBA, MLB, Spotify, Barbie, Liquid Death, and Tony’s Chocolonely, among many others. The organizations will amplify their ability to mobilize next-generation voters by leveraging their digital-first technologies and proprietary programs and expanding their cultural footprint across music, sports, fashion, entertainment, beauty and tech to inspire and mobilize voter engagement.
HeadCount will continue to operate its programming, including the highly impactful Good to Vote campaign, which leverages the influence of brands, celebrities and influencers to engage next-generation and first-time voters. For over 20 years, HeadCount has been active at the intersection of youth culture and civic engagement, building a national footprint of 60,000 volunteers, innovative digital programs, and strategic partnerships that it will leverage ahead of this year’s presidential election. The first project this new alliance will tackle together is Register a Friend Day on June 4, 2024, one of the largest voter registration events of the year, and the kick-off to a robust season of nationwide initiatives to increase participation in National Voter Registration Day on September 17 and pave the way for Election Day on November 5.
HeadCount’s executive director Wenegieme and IAAV’s co-founders Dayani, Tran, and Tiffany Bensley will remain active leaders and spokespeople for the organizations, respectively. Within the IAAV campaign, the original founding team of 25 women will continue to volunteer their time, talent, and resources to scale its impact and launch several major initiatives this year. Dayani will lead the brand, marketing and messaging strategy. Founding partner Tran, Executive Director of the CAA Foundation, will lead partnerships and provide strategic support, resources, and guidance. Digital Brand Architects will remain a leading content strategy and influencer engagement partner. Bensley will continue to oversee creative direction. Consultants Carla Hawkes and Maddy Roth will serve as co-executive directors. JBC, Element Brand Group, LaChambre, Bollare, The Right Now, and The Board will help lead collaborative communications efforts for the IAAV campaign and HeadCount broadly, and CAA Foundation executive Travis Merriweather will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of HeadCount.
