This is the single best way you can make a difference right now.

Vote. Not once every four years. Not once every two years. But every single year in every single election. Why? First of all, the turnout in the off years is often low, with some elections being won by as few as 10 votes. With a little mobilization, it’s easier to win seats for your side at the local level.

Second, wealthier older adults are running the show. They vote in off-year elections in huge numbers compared to the rest of us. This means our local elected officials are more likely to enact the agendas of retirees than young people.

Finally, local positions matter. Yes, people in these positions affect local policy, including environmental regulations and how tax dollars are spent. But more important: Those who serve in them earn name recognition and experience, making it easier for them to win higher offices.

Conservatives already know this. For the past few decades, they have been quietly and purposefully filling local positions in the hopes of eventually influencing national policy. It worked: Republicans now control both chambers in 32 states as well as Congress and the presidency.

The most important local positions — at least in terms of how they tie to federal policy — are on public school boards. Here are a few examples that illustrate why these positions matter so much, and why, my fellow progressives, you need to vote.

1. To protect human rights. Now that Donald Trump has withdrawn federal protections for transgender kids, it will be up to states and local authorities to craft laws and policies to protect them. This means, voting for progressive school board members could directly impact trans kids’ rights. You want to be on the right side of history here, don’t you?
2. To defend science. With climate change denial moving from the fringes of society to the federal government, some school boards are questioning the wisdom of teaching kids about global warming without showing “the other side.” Or, even wackier, a board member in a district near me wondered whether teaching kids about climate change makes them too depressed. We need school board members who make facts and science a priority.
3. To safeguard education for all. Finally, with Betsy DeVos leading the Department of Education, we don’t know what the future holds for public schools. Will the federal government maintain its commitment to educating all students, including those with disabilities? Will moving toward school choice drain funds away from more public schools? We need school board members who are committed to high quality public education and see it is an investment in creating a better world.

Now that I have you fired up, here are easy actions to take.

1. Register to vote. This seems obvious, but if you’re not registered, you need to change that. To find out how, Google voter registration form and your state name or go here.
2. Plan for the elections. Put the date of your state’s primary elections and your local polling place location in your calendar. You can find the dates here.
3. Get others registered. Beyond voting yourself, this is the second most important thing you can do. Ask every progressive-leaning person you know if they are registered to vote. Focus especially on the young adults in your life, including family members in high school and college; babysitters; dog walkers; and students. If they’re not yet registered, direct them to an application and offer to fill it out with them.
4. Remind, remind, remind. On primary day, remind all of your friends in your state to vote. Then remind people on Election Day in November.
5. Do it all again. Follow steps 2 through 4 next year. And the year after that. And basically forever.

As a newbie activist, Kristin Donnelly created Potluck Nation, a project that encourages people to use potlucks as a force for good. Inspired by a friend, she now carries voter registration forms in her bag. She thinks you should, too. If you found these tips useful, please share them with a friend.