Introduction to Empower

Getting Started

If you are ready to jump in, watch this how-to video on how to get started with Empower, or else check out our other articles on how to create an account, add people, and respond to calls to action.

What is Empower?

Empower is the place for you to stay connected with organizations you care about and get the latest actions you can take to make change, such as reaching out to friends and family, canvassing, phone banking, text banking, or actions you can take on your own.

Research says talking to people you know is the most effective way to create change. This is called "Relational Organizing." This app will guide you to make a list of people you know and reach out to them about the issues that matter to you. This helps you leverage the power of your personal relationships to make change and to use a trusted messenger for your message - you!

What is Relational Organizing?

Relational organizing is about building power within your own community and sphere of influence. It centers on training leaders like you to reach out to friends and family and share personal stories around the issues that matter most. It is about strengthening relationships and finding common ground by authentically listening to the other person and knowing how to respond.

Research shows that the messenger matters. People are more likely to take action when asked by someone they know and trust. A volunteer asking their friend to volunteer is 23% more effective than an organizer reaching out, according to research from the Analyst Institute. You are the best messenger to the people in your networks. Studies have shown that the perceived trustworthiness of the messenger is more important than the truthfulness of the message. Trusted messenger networks help us fight disinformation.

Reaching out to an unlikely voter in your network is the best conversation you can have to get out the vote. According to the Analyst Institute, "An activist reaching out to unlikely voters in their network is likely the best conversation a volunteer can have. Every volunteer on a campaign should be encouraged to map their social network and reach out to friends."

Using the Empower Tool will help you make change, one conversation at a time.

• Related Articles

• Create an Account

  This article will show you how to create an account in Empower. Watch this easy how-to video, or see the instructions below. From the Empower App in your smartphone, click on the Get Started button on the bottom right of your screen. Next, enter your ...

• Add People

  Research says talking to people you know is the most effective way to create change. Empower will guide you to make a list of people you know and reach out to them about the issues that matter to you. This helps you leverage the power of your ...

• Responding to Calls to Action

  Empower is the place for you to stay connected with your organization and get the latest actions you can take to make change, such as reaching out to friends and family, canvassing, or actions you can take on your own. Here's how you can start taking ...