Background
TurnUp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and mobile application dedicated to enhancing democracy by increasing youth civic engagement, particularly focusing on voter registration and turnout. Established in 2019 by Zev Shapiro, a Massachusetts-based youth activist, TurnUp has rapidly become the largest youth-led voter registration and turnout initiative in the United States. The organization's mission is to bridge the gap between young individuals who aspire to participate in civic activities and those who actively do so. TurnUp's significance in the industry is underscored by its recognition as the #1 standout tech non-profit organization by Forbes.
Key Strategic Focus
TurnUp's strategic focus encompasses four integrated programs aimed at boosting youth voter registration and turnout:
1. Physical Registration and Turnout Drives: Conducting on-site voter registration events at high schools and community colleges.
2. Relational Registration and Turnout Drives: Leveraging personal networks to encourage voter registration and participation.
3. Grassroots Organizing: Mobilizing a diverse team of youth organizers and volunteers to engage peers in the electoral process.
4. Digital Campaigns: Utilizing digital advertising, influencer marketing, and unique tools to reach and register young voters.
These programs target key states and congressional districts where youth engagement can have the most significant impact, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, and other competitive regions.
Financials and Funding
TurnUp's financial growth reflects its expanding influence:
- 2021: Received $263,776 in contributions and grants, with total expenses amounting to $315,047.
- 2022: Experienced a substantial increase in funding, with total revenue around $2.2 million, primarily from contributions and grants. Total expenses for the year were just over $900,000.
The organization allocates its funds towards salaries, program development, and operational expenses to support its mission of increasing youth civic engagement.
Pipeline Development
Since its inception, TurnUp has achieved significant milestones:
- 2019-2024: Registered 477,000 young voters, sent 35 million texts, made 900,000 phone calls to young voters, and achieved 140 million impressions through ads facilitating voter registration and participation.
- Internship Program: Graduated over 13,000 young individuals who contributed 94,000 volunteer hours towards voter registration and mobilization efforts.
These efforts have consistently resulted in record-breaking youth voter turnout in key elections.
Technological Platform and Innovation
TurnUp's proprietary mobile application serves as a central hub for youth activism, offering features such as:
- Event Discovery: Users can find and participate in events aligned with their interests in social justice.
- Newsfeed: Provides updates from various organizations, keeping users informed about relevant issues.
- Organizing Tools: Assists in organizing protests and events, facilitating grassroots mobilization.
- Election Notifications: Alerts users about election dates, deadlines, and voting laws, ensuring they stay informed and engaged.
This platform effectively connects young activists, enabling them to collaborate and drive social change.
Leadership Team
Zev Shapiro, Founder and Executive Director:
- Background: Began his activism in fourth grade, advocating for equal access to healthy food.
- Experience: Served as a leader of the Massachusetts High School Democrats and as a liaison to the Democratic Party.
- Education: Graduated from Harvard College in 2024.
Shapiro's leadership has been instrumental in TurnUp's rapid growth and success in mobilizing youth for civic engagement.
Competitor Profile
While TurnUp is a unique entity in the youth civic engagement space, it operates alongside other organizations with similar missions:
- Rock the Vote: A non-profit dedicated to building the political power of young people through voter registration and education.
- NextGen America: Focuses on mobilizing young voters to participate in elections and advocate for progressive policies.
These organizations share the goal of increasing youth participation in the democratic process, each employing distinct strategies and platforms to achieve this objective.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
TurnUp collaborates with hundreds of partner organizations and thousands of individual donors nationwide. These partnerships enhance its outreach capabilities, allowing for a more extensive and effective mobilization of young voters.
Operational Insights
TurnUp's strategic focus on key swing states and competitive congressional districts positions it to maximize its impact on elections. By leveraging a combination of physical, relational, grassroots, and digital strategies, TurnUp effectively engages young voters, contributing to increased youth turnout and influencing election outcomes.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, TurnUp aims to register 170,000 new young voters in 2025 by scaling its programs to more high schools and community colleges, expanding its internship and digital initiatives, and continuing to target areas where youth engagement can have the most significant impact.
Contact Information
- Website: turnup.us
- Social Media:
- Facebook: TurnUp
- Twitter: @TurnUpActivism
- Instagram: @turnupactivism
TurnUp's comprehensive approach to youth civic engagement, innovative use of technology, and strategic partnerships position it as a leading force in strengthening democracy through increased youth participation.
