Started in 1998, AIGA's oldest initiative has the mission to apply design tools and thinking to increase civic participation. By making interactions between the U.S. government and its citizens more understandable, efficient, and trustworthy, designers become more vocal citizens and make democracy more sound. In partnership with Nonprofit VOTE, AIGA called for designers to submit social media content that was available for use by the general public and that encouraged first-time voters to cast their ballot in the midterm elections this fall. The message was made to empower & encourage, in hopes of getting women of all demographics to get out and cast their ballot at a local voting booth.