I do not consider myself a political expert by any stretch of the imagination. I am, however, an inclusive workplace consultant, and I understand the impact of the current political climate on not only the work I do with organizations and the short and long-term implications of policies on historically marginalized communities. In the aftermath of the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, it is essential, as political strategies are shaped, to consider three crucial demographics that demand attention in the upcoming election season.

Generation Z:

Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is like no other. They have little to no memory of not being digitally connected. Because of this, they are the most globally connected generation, keeping track of what is happening around them and unabashedly sharing their thoughts on political and societal issues. This generation is also leaning towards opting out of voting in the upcoming presidential election, as much of what they are seeing doesn’t align with who they are or the values they espouse. The impact of social media, global connectivity, and pressing issues like climate change have played a significant role in shaping their values. This group has become increasingly influential with each other and those they care about, and understanding what shapes the younger generations is imperative for politicians and campaign managers.

Key points to Consider:

• US Response to Israel/Palestinian Conflict: Younger generations often prioritize global issues. Understanding the nuanced perspectives on the US response to the Israel/Palestinian conflict is crucial in gaining their support.
• Power in Influencers: Social media influencers wield considerable influence over young voters. Politicians and campaign managers should leverage this by aligning with influencers who resonate with these demographics.
• Issues that Matter: Key issues for younger voters include climate change, social justice, and equality. Crafting policies that address these concerns will resonate with this demographic.

Diversity Amongst Ethnic Groups:

The United States is a melting pot of ethnic diversity, encompassing a rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and perspectives. Ethnic groups contribute to the nation’s dynamism and bring unique values and traditions. Recognizing and appreciating this diversity is crucial for politicians and campaign managers aiming to garner broad-based support. Developing nuanced, culturally sensitive outreach strategies requires a deep understanding of the political landscape within these diverse ethnic communities. For example, Campaign managers can create targeted strategies that resonate with specific Latino subgroups’ unique values and priorities. For instance, focusing on immigration reform may be particularly relevant for some, while others may prioritize economic policies.

While cultural sensitivity is vital in the outreach and campaign process, the follow-through is even more critical. A candidate running for office in a city with a significant Somali American population may engage with community leaders, attend cultural events, and address issues such as immigrant rights and cultural integration in their outreach efforts. But they must also engage with this community after the election, encouraging participation in the process and partnering with community leaders on promises made.

Key Points to Consider:

• Disaggregate the Demographic Data: Acknowledge the diversity within each ethnic community, noting distinctions, unique histories, critical issues of concern, and political considerations.
• Conservative-leaning Majority: Contrary to stereotypes, a significant portion of ethnic groups, including Blacks, may lean conservative. Tailor campaign messages to resonate with diverse political perspectives.

Disability Community:

The disability community, a diverse and often overlooked demographic in political discourse, encompasses a wide range of individuals with varying abilities and challenges. This community cuts across age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds, making it one of society’s most inclusive but frequently marginalized groups. Recognizing this population’s unique needs and concerns is not only an ethical imperative. Still, developing comprehensive, inclusive policies that foster a sense of belonging for all citizens is also crucial. One of the most significant challenges for people with disabilities is access to employment opportunities. Key legislation that incentivizes businesses to adopt accessible hiring practices, providing accommodations in the workplace, and promoting diverse hiring initiatives to ensure equal employment opportunities would center a population that is often underrepresented in the voting population.

Key Points to Consider:

• Key Issues Impacting Everyone: Disability issues, such as accessibility and inclusion, impact not only the disability community but society as a whole. Prioritizing these issues demonstrates a commitment to universal well-being.
• Access to Resources: Policies ensuring equal access to resources, education, and employment opportunities are critical for the disability community.
• Representation and Advocacy: Actively seeking input from individuals with disabilities in developing and implementing policies, creating advisory committees, and promoting the inclusion of disabled individuals in political and civic leadership roles.

Bonus:

The Workplace Psychological Safety Act

The Workplace Psychological Safety Act is a legislative initiative to prioritize psychological well-being in the workplace. This act underscores the importance of creating environments where employees feel psychologically safe, fostering inclusivity, preventing workplace harassment, and supporting mental health. In the realm of political strategies, endorsing this act becomes a valuable component, as it aligns with values of social responsibility, progressive workplace policies, and employee rights. By integrating the principles of the Workplace Psychological Safety Act into political messaging, seeking endorsements from supportive companies, and engaging with constituents on workplace-related issues, politicians can appeal to voters who prioritize inclusive practices and a commitment to employee well-being. Ultimately, supporting this act reflects a dedication to creating positive and inclusive workplaces and strategically positions political campaigns in alignment with broader societal values.

Mastering the intricacies of demographics in the 2024 election season demands more than a surface-level understanding; it requires a deep comprehension of the influential factors shaping each group. Politicians and campaign managers can navigate this complexity confidently by delving into the perspectives of younger generations, acknowledging the rich diversity within ethnic groups, and appreciating the pivotal role of the disability community. Tailoring approaches to resonate with this diverse electorate is not just a strategic move but a necessity for meaningful engagement and a decisive step toward fostering inclusivity and connection in political arenas and the professional sphere.

Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation, LLC, a boutique diversity coaching and inclusive culture consulting firm, and Equity Leadership Institute, a leadership coach training company. With 20+ years of experience within the education, non-profit, and tech industries, Sacha’s work is about removing barriers or providing support to achieve equality. She helps executives and leaders have that meaningful dialogue and coaches them on the necessary, long-term changes that develop institutional cultures of inclusion. She was most recently featured in Newsweek, Business Insider, and MSNBC’s The Cross Connection.