10 Things Women Can Do Right Now To Advocate For Democracy

Its been a couple weeks since the new Administration has taken office. It may feel like we are running an uphill race, but don’t give up, we still have lots of work to do to advocate for democracy. The sleeping giants have been awoken and we must continue to do the right thing to stand up for the rights of humanity through orderly, polite and visible advocacy.

Here are some suggestions to stay plugged in and advocate for democracy:

1. Get involved in politics! We need to regroup from the ground up by participating in local, state and national politics. When was the last time you attended a city council meeting in your district? Start planning by visiting your local and state websites, attend the next council meeting and take notes. The legislation being enacted during this administration will impact us the most at the local and state levels. Research the initiatives and platforms that your local and state representatives prioritize by visiting their websites, regularly attending meetings, signing up for their newsletters and connecting with them via social media. This is also a great place to find common ground with representatives and constituents who have differing points of view.
2. Consider running for office! We need elected officials that will represent their constituents instead of party lines. We need to support other women who are considering adding their names to the ballot and encourage millennials to consider a future in politics. Some of the past local elections have been won by politicians who have little or no opposition and its time for everyone to get involved. There have also been several local school board and legislatures who have been appointed because they were the only candidate submitting an application. If you are unsure on how to get started join the She Should Run Incubator to help you start the journey or look for other local programs which encourage women to run for politics.
3. Join organizations that champion causes you believe in! Organizations such as Indivisible, Everytown, Momsrising, Color of Change, ACLU, Being Black In School, Educolor , Wise Women, Now The People Rise , Voto Latino and Womens March are on the front lines every day and need our support to help them raise awareness about their programs and initiatives. Whether you are an advocate, volunteer, boots on the ground, connector or philanthropist it takes a village to build non-profit organization and enable them succeed. Consider joining a group and help them amplify their voices by sharing their initiatives with your friends, family or colleagues via word of mouth or via social media. There is power in numbers.
4. Build a Tribe! Surround yourself with like-minded individuals that believe in the same initiatives you believe in, support them, help them grow and ask for help when you need it. Tribes are not built overnight, but can start with as few as two or three people. As you build relationships with people online you will find more like-minded individuals to connect with. Some of the advocacy organizations you join will also have Facebook groups which are more personable and provide an opportunity to discuss different points of view and connect with fellow advocates. The groups also hosts periodic meetups, postcard signing, protests or attend meeting as a group to raise awareness. Get to know the communities you are a part, don’t be shy and build a tribe. Tribes are a great source of encouragement and support.
5. Work Smarter not harder! Its impossible to stay up to date on all the important issues, go to all the advocacy events and read all the blogs to setup an action plan. Consider subscribing to daily alerts such as the Daily Action Alerts. Send a text to 228466 with the words DAILY. You will receive a daily text with recommendation on who to call to make the GREATEST IMPACT. The number will directly connect you to your Rep. Also consider subscribing to notifications or newsletters on the social media pages for the nonprofit organizations and representatives your support
6. Contact your Representatives! Our representatives need to hear from their constituents. Call your representatives daily to express your support for initiatives or concerns over transition choices and legislation. It is also the most powerful way to reach out to your rep. The White House has a number you can call directly to connect to your local representatives. Call the U.S. House of Representatives at (202) 224–3121 and they will connect you to your representative directly. You can also cotact your U.S. Representative using the U.S. House of Representative’s WriteYourRep page, examine online maps of the Congressional Districts maintained by GovTrack or contact U.S. Senate’s list of all Senators is provided here. .
7. Mark your calendars for election dates in 2018 & 2020! Pull out your calendar and RSVP for November 6, 2018 and November 3, 2020 elections. Consider setting a notification on your phone, volunteering at a polling booth or taking a day off to ensure you you do not miss out opportunity to vote. Also, track the voting records of politicians throughout the year to help you make a decision during the next election. For voter information visit Vote411.org. For additional information on how your congress voted on an initiative visit how congressional voted.
8. Attend a local meeting! Attend a townhall, office hours or mobile meeting with your state representative or in a neighboring town! The Townhall Project Spreadsheet has an up to date list of all the meetings. If your Representative is not accessible implement the Missing Members of Congress Action Plan.
9. Take a roadtrip to your State or Congressional offices! Visit your State Capitol or Washington D.C. or a neighboring town. There are several events being planned by organizations throughout the year as well. When Members of Congress are in session in Washington, D.C. many host coffees with constituents. See if your Representative or Senator is hosting a coffee with constituents.
10. Take care of yourself! Take a deep breath. Pace yourself. You do not need to complete this entire list in one day. Advocacy is a marathon, not a race. It’s okay to step away from the electronics and take a break. It’s okay to set time aside for yourself and take the time to pray, walk, run, hike, do yoga, dance or join a kickboxing class. Do it! When you are part of an advocacy group we fill in for each other when someone needs to tae a break. We’re going to need to practice a lot mindfulness over the next couple years. We are in this for the long haul. Nevertheless, she persisted and so shall we.