I have joined a non-partisan coalition concerning this fall’s elections. We’re a student organization, so our goals will be to bring student issues to the candidate’s agendas (so hopefully they’ll remember us once it comes time to make policy), educate students about their choices in this election, register a whole bunch of people to vote, and make sure that typically underrepresented groups are recognized and have a fair shot at taking part in the election process.
Since both this coalition and the group I’m representing in it are non-profit, we can have absolutely no partisan affiliations, nor can we endorse candidates. But clearly I have some opinions about who the best candidates are, and I will be voting accordingly. Is it unethical for me to work for these candidates while also serving as a primary member of this coalition? How about signing petitions, donating money, etc? On one hand, I’m afraid that my personal partisan affiliations may interfere with my work for the coalition, but on the other hand I know I’m a reasonably smart person who should be able to keep my priorities straight. What do you think?