All of us want to protect and support our democracy, but what can each one of us do? Here are a few ideas:
1. Know who your local legislators and politicians are
Here’s where to find your House Representative.
Put your address in here to find a full list of your elected officials.
2. Know how to get in touch with them (and actually make them listen.)
Here are some general guidelines on how to contact them.
3. Identify an issue you care about and pursue it
4. Attend town hall meetings
A town hall is where you, in person, can make your actual voice heard, in front of local politicians who can actually do something about it.
5. Attend City Council meetings
Alternately, attend a City Council meeting to get an up-close view of what’s important to your city’s legislators.
6. Get to know your local School Board
Whether or not you have kids in school, it’s a good idea to know about your school board and the direction they are leading your schools.
7. Join your local PTA
Not only can you have a direct communication with your school, you can also volunteer and participate in other ways that directly impact your community.
8. Join a voting league or political organization
A non-partisan group like the League of Women Voters is a good way to get informed, or you can choose a political group that aligns with your values.
9. Register to act on behalf of a political party
Here’s a starting place for Republicans. Here’s one for Democrats. Keep in mind your party has a state chapter, too.
10. Join a campaign
If you find a local politician who represents the change you want to see in your community, contact their office to figure out how you can get involved in the campaign! Maybe they’ll have you stuff mailers or put up signs or some other boring task, but the boring tasks is what actually gets stuff done.
(adapted from “25 ways to be politically active whether you lean left or right” by AJ Willingham, CNN)
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