Vote Common Good, Greater Things Foundation, Faith Out Loud, Americans United and Red Letter Christians are proud partners in The Ride, a national bus tour and documentary project retracing the historic 1961 Freedom Ride. As we bring this tour to churches, congregations and community organizations across the country, we want to be clear about the nature of these events.
Events held at or in partnership with your church or organization will be conducted in full compliance with 501(c)(3) nonpartisan guidelines.
While the themes of The Ride touch on civic participation, voting rights and the moral history of the freedom struggle in America, these events are educational and civic in nature — not political campaigning. Specifically:
We will not endorse, oppose, or advocate for any political party or candidate for public office.
We will not engage in electioneering of any kind at these events.
No speaker, host, or representative from Vote Common Good, Greater Things Foundation, Faith Out Loud, Americans United or Red Letter Christians will use these events to promote a particular candidate or partisan outcome.
Our focus is on the history of the Freedom Rides, the importance of civic engagement, and encouraging all eligible citizens — regardless of political affiliation — to participate in our democracy.
We understand that many of our host churches and partner organizations are themselves 501(c)(3) entities, and we take seriously the legal and ethical responsibility that comes with hosting an event in your space. This statement is intended to give you confidence that partnering with us on The Ride will not put your organization’s tax-exempt status at risk.
If you have any questions about the nature of a specific event, or would like additional documentation for your records, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Doug@greaterthings.us.
This statement may be freely shared, posted, or distributed to partner churches and organizations hosting The Ride.
