Endorsement Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Endorsement Policy is to ensure a transparent, fair, and values-driven process through which the organization may endorse political candidates and public policy positions that advance the rights, safety, and well-being of New York City’s Black and Latino LGBTQ community.

Endorsements are intended to educate, mobilize, and empower our community while holding candidates and elected officials accountable to shared values and policy commitments.

Scope of Endorsements

The organization may consider endorsements for:

  • Candidates seeking local, citywide, or state office representing New York City districts
  • Ballot initiatives, legislation, or policy positions that directly impact the Black and Latino LGBTQ community

The organization is not required to endorse in every race or on every issue.

Guiding Principles

All endorsements are guided by the following principles:

  • Equity and racial justice
  • LGBTQ equality and dignity
  • Community accountability
  • Transparency and fairness
  • Respect for democratic participation

Endorsements are values-based and mission-driven, not transactional or partisan.

Eligibility for Endorsement

To be eligible for endorsement, candidates must demonstrate:

  • A clear commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of Black and Latino LGBTQ New Yorkers
  • Alignment with the organization’s core values and priority issue areas
  • Willingness to engage respectfully with the community and participate in the endorsement process

Incumbents may be evaluated based on voting records, public statements, and demonstrated actions.

Endorsement Criteria

Candidates and policy positions are evaluated using, but not limited to, the following criteria:

  • Support for LGBTQ civil rights and anti-discrimination protections
  • Commitment to racial equity and justice
  • Positions on affordable housing, healthcare access, public safety, education, and economic opportunity
  • Record of community engagement and responsiveness
  • Demonstrated integrity, leadership, and accountability

Endorsement Process

  1. Candidate Outreach and Questionnaire
    Candidates may be invited to complete an endorsement questionnaire outlining their policy positions, priorities, and commitments.
  2. Interviews or Public Forums
    Candidates may be asked to participate in interviews, forums, or listening sessions with organizational leadership or members.
  3. Review and Recommendation
    An Endorsement Committee or designated body reviews all materials and makes a recommendation based on established criteria.
  4. Approval
    Final endorsement decisions are approved by the Board of Directors and/or voting membership, in accordance with the organization’s bylaws.

Levels of Endorsement

The organization may issue:

  • Full Endorsements: Active public support for a candidate or position
  • Issue-Based or Conditional Endorsements: Support tied to specific policy commitments
  • No Endorsement: The organization may choose to provide voter education without endorsing

Use of Endorsement

Endorsed candidates may reference the endorsement publicly as approved by the organization. Use of the organization’s name or logo must follow written brand and communications guidelines.

Accountability

Endorsements reflect expectations of continued alignment with the organization’s values. The organization may:

  • Engage endorsed officials in post-election accountability conversations
  • Track and publicly report on policy progress
  • Reconsider or withdraw an endorsement if actions fundamentally conflict with stated commitments or core values

Ethics and Compliance

All endorsement activity complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including campaign finance and nonprofit governance requirements. The organization maintains appropriate separation between educational and political advocacy activities as required by law.

Review of Policy

This Endorsement Policy is reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors and may be amended to reflect evolving community needs, legal requirements, or organizational priorities.