UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #879

Submission information
Submission Number: 879
Submission ID: 15021
Submission UUID: c8ccf8f4-efc4-43df-8033-a3601eac3c60

Created: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 02:15 PM
Completed: Mon, 08/19/2024 - 02:15 PM
Changed: Fri, 09/06/2024 - 02:53 PM

Remote IP address: 70.158.101.146
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name JoVontae Butts
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns He/him
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Mr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) jlbutts@fsu.edu
Position Title Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name Paromita Sanyal
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email psanyal@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable) Social Sciences and Public Policy
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation Department of Sociology
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above)
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable)
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated)
Title of the Project How Grassroot Organizations Facilitate An Inclusive Democracy Post-Shelby County v. Holder
Project Keywords Voter Mobilization; Grassroots Organizations; Voter Suppression; Excluded Voters
Are you currently looking for research assistants? Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 5-10
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description In the current climate of increasing voter suppression, political ambivalence, and alienation, it is more crucial than ever to develop and implement strategies that effectively engage and mobilize voters. Many individuals are being systematically excluded from democratic participation due to institutional barriers and targeted campaign strategies that focus primarily on likely voters, inadvertently leading to voter suppression. This issue has been exacerbated by the rise in suppressive voting laws following the Shelby County v. Holder decision, which removed key protections that once safeguarded against discriminatory practices in voting.

Given the complexities and demands of modern campaigns, which often prioritize efficiency over inclusivity, relying solely on political candidates and their campaigns to address these challenges poses a significant threat to the health of democracy. This project contends that grassroots organizations play a vital role in filling this gap, as they are uniquely positioned to reach and mobilize the most disengaged and elusive voters—those who are often overlooked by mainstream political strategies.

While much research has been conducted on voter mobilization strategies, there remains a significant gap in the literature specifically focused on how to effectively engage and mobilize these marginalized voting populations. This research aims to address this gap by conducting an ethnographic examination of grassroots organizations that work to enfranchise these voters.

This study will focus on a mid-size city in a republican ran state in the southeast united states, a location where voter suppression tactics are expected to be particularly aggressive during the 2024 election season, given its history and the current political landscape. The research will explore the strategies employed by grassroots organizations to overcome the barriers that hinder voter participation. It will seek to answer critical questions, including: How do organizers address the conditions that most likely prevent individuals from exercising their right to vote? How do they access and engage voting populations that are often disengaged? And how do canvassers help these individuals develop a civic identity?

Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this project will provide a nuanced understanding of the efforts and effectiveness of grassroots mobilization strategies in the post-Shelby County v. Holder era. By focusing on the lived experiences of both organizers and voters, this research will contribute valuable insights into how to ensure a more inclusive and participatory democratic process.
Research Tasks Data analysis, theme coding, transcription, literature review.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended: citation management; transcription; critical reading and analysis; qualitative theme coding using Nvivo; familiarity with excel and microsoft word.
Mentoring Philosophy My mentoring philosophy is centered around fostering a supportive, collaborative, and personalized environment for my research assistants. I believe that each mentee's professional and personal growth is best nurtured through a relationship built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.

To help my research assistants achieve their goals, I make it a priority to understand their individual aspirations and tailor their experience accordingly. By encouraging them to set their own deadlines and providing gentle reinforcement, I aim to promote a sense of ownership and accountability in their work. I strive to create a down-to-earth yet professional atmosphere where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance, knowing that their development is my primary concern.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower my research assistants to become confident, self-directed professionals. By fostering independence and promoting their professional development, I hope to equip them with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in their future endeavors.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):
Please add any additional information here (if applicable):
Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable? Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links Friday, September 6 at 4pm

https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99047959808
Roundtable Info
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation Yes
Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series? Yes
Year 2024
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