 What we do
We register voters at concerts and make civic participation part of the live music experience. Artists such as Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Kings of Leon, Phish, John Mayer and Wilco have helped us register over 175,000 voters. Not only have they welcomed us at their concerts, but many have supported the organization financially and also appeared in our public service announcement campaigns. |
How we do it
We have a network of 8,000 volunteers across the county, divided into local street teams. Any time one of our 80 affiliated artists plays a concert in a city where we have a team, our volunteers set up a HeadCount table. At those tables, people can register to vote, write a letter to Congress or sign up for educational email lists related to specific issues. We also maintain a website and blog (www.HeadCount.org and www.headcount.org/blog) with information on voting, current events and volunteer opportunities. |
Why We Do it
We believe that society benefits when citizens are informed and participate in democracy, and that musicians and their fans have the potential to be the leaders of worldwide social movements. By channeling the shared energy of the live music experience into organized action , we can galvanize the music community into an influential force. Through this, we can be on the forefront of positive change. |
Who is Behind It
HeadCount was founded in 2004 by Marc Brownstein of the popular electronic rock band The Disco Biscuits and Andy Bernstein, author of the Phish fan guide “The Pharmer’s Almanac.” They were quickly joined by a collective of fans, music industry professionals and musicians including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, who is on the organization’s board of directors. Today, HeadCount has a small full-time staff, more than 75 volunteers holding leadership positions and 20 board members. |
