This document establishes the formal process by which the New America Coalition (NAC) evaluates, scores, and endorses candidates for public office. The process is designed to ensure transparency, equity, nonpartisanship, and alignment with NAC’s mission to expand civic participation, protect civil rights, strengthen democratic institutions, and empower historically marginalized communities.

• Equity & Inclusion: Endorsements must uplift candidates committed to racial, economic, and social justice.
• Transparency: The endorsement process is consistent, documented, and available for public review.
• Accountability: Candidates must demonstrate past or future commitments that align with NAC’s mission.
• Nonpartisanship: As a 501(c)(4), NAC may engage in political activity, but all endorsements must serve the organization’s stated social welfare purpose.

Candidates may be considered for endorsement if they:

1. Are running for a federal, state, or local office.
2. Request NAC’s endorsement or are nominated by an NAC member.
3. Provide a completed NAC Candidate Questionnaire.
4. Agree to participate in interviews, forums, or community discussions as requested.

Step 1 — Internal Review & Docketing

• NAC staff logs endorsement requests.
• Confirms eligibility requirements.
• Sends Candidate Questionnaire and required disclosures.

Step 2 — Candidate Questionnaire Evaluation

Candidates are evaluated across core categories:

Democracy & Voting Rights

• Civil Liberties & Constitutional Protections
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Economic Opportunity & Workforce Equity
• Educational Access & Equity (K–12 + Higher Ed)
• Healthcare Access & Community Wellbeing
• Housing & Urban Development
• Climate Justice & Environmental Resilience
• Immigration & Human Rights
• Community Engagement & Accessibility

Scores range from 0 to 5 per category.

Step 3 — Candidate Interview (Optional but Recommended)

• Conducted by the Political Engagement Committee (PEC).
• Standardized questions used to ensure fairness.
• Interviews may be recorded for internal purposes.

Step 4 — Community Stakeholder Review

• NAC seeks input from civil rights advocates, faith leaders, labor, students, and impacted communities.
• Stakeholder concerns or support are documented.

Step 5 — Scoring & Recommendation Report

The PEC produces a formal evaluation that includes:

• Average questionnaire + interview score
• Summary of candidate positions
• Alignment with NAC mission
• Community stakeholder insights
• Potential risks or conflicts

Step 6 — Board Vote

• The NAC Board of Directors votes on endorsement recommendations.
• Endorsements require a ⅔ majority of present voting members.
• Abstentions are permitted but do not count toward the threshold.

Step 7 — Public Announcement**

Upon approval:

• NAC issues formal endorsement statement.
• Candidate may use NAC’s endorsement in campaign materials.
• NAC may support endorsed candidates through permissible 501(c)(4) activities.

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate alignment with NAC’s policy priorities.
• Demonstrate integrity and a record of ethical conduct.
• Reject extremist ideology, corruption, and discrimination.
• Commit to engaging NAC communities throughout the campaign and into governance.
• Agree to ongoing communication with NAC after election.

Endorsements may be **revoked** if a candidate engages in conduct that violates NAC principles.

To remain compliant with IRS regulations:

• NAC will not coordinate directly with campaign strategy beyond endorsement.
• NAC will not make financial contributions beyond what is legally permitted.
• NAC will not endorse based on party affiliation alone.

NAC will maintain the following documentation for at least 5 years:

• All Candidate Questionnaires
• Interview notes and recordings
• Scoring sheets and recommendations
• Board meeting minutes and votes
• Endorsement announcements and public statements

This policy will be reviewed annually by the NAC Board and legal counsel to ensure full compliance with IRS law, campaign finance regulations, and evolving best practices in ethics and civil society advocacy.

This endorsement process is formally adopted by the New America Coalition Board of Directors and is effective immediately upon approval.