10 Ways To Be Politically Active In 2018
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” — Alice Walker
The beginning of 2017 left Americans feeling empowered, energized, or simply lost. Our country was divided. It seemed as if the American people had been silent for years but the most recent election 2017 election sparked something in the hearts of many. It brought us outrage for change. It was a turning point in history.
But now it’s 2018 and we, as a nation, still have an incredible amount of issues, so let’s do something about it.
Now we know you’re busy. We know you’re working full time and raising a child. We know you have problems of your own… we get it, we understand. But you still have an inclination, an urge, to voice your opinion.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Aside from your political alignment, your involvement matters. Let’s transition your political interest into action! In the midst of all this chaos, we’ve put together a list of 10 things you can do to be more politically active that isn’t posting a heated Facebook rant.
Educate Yourself
Use reliable sources for your information. Don’t get misguided, misconstrued facts from biased or unscholarly sources. Search hard facts and get real information. We suggest staggering statistics that back up your opinion.
Business Insider compiled a list of the most and least trusted news outlets by liberals, conservatives, and everyone in-between!
Know Local Politicians
Visit Common Cause to find your elected officials. Simply put in your current address and your elected politicians will appear at all levels. Dig deeper and check out their sponsored bills, committees, and political contributions. Along with lists of what they’ve done, you’ll receive their website, email, and phone number.
Write them. Call them. Email them. Do what you have to do. We encourage you to ask questions, and tell them how you feel. Elected politicians core purpose is to accurately represent the people, so challenge their ethics. You have the ability to influence the policy makers, take advantage of it.
Vote, Vote, Vote!
According to the Huffington Post, the 2008 American presidential elections had the highest turnout of voters since 1968 even though nearly 4 in every 10 individuals 18 and older stayed at home.
The biggest strength as a country we have is the right to vote. If you’re feeling hopeless, don’t shy away from hitting the polls. There’s more than just the presidents on those ballots.
Although we focus most of our time and energy on the presidential elections, vote for your local representatives, which many of us neglect completely. You have the most power at a local level and these policies will affect your day-to-day life — ultimately influencing national policy makers. Your vote has a larger impact than you think.
Visit My Time To Vote, enter your state, and get a complete list of elections happening in your community. Not sure how to register? Check out Vote.gov to begin the registration process. All 435 seats in the House and 33 Senate seats will be on the ballot November 6, 2018. If that’s not motivating, I don’t know what is!
Research Activists
Activists all over the country are fighting for social, economic, and environmental justice. Mainstream media will shy away from showcasing the talented, young organizers that are sweeping the nation but that doesn’t mean you have to! Research them. Follow them. Strive to understand them. Study how they challenge public opinion and raise awareness for their cause. Watch how they change lives, and how their grassroots campaigns are making a difference.
If you’re over the purposeless Twitter feed you have, The Huffington Post compiled a list of activists to follow on Twitter.
Organize Rallies
Nonviolent movements show the world you care about your issue and you’re willing to put your time and energy behind it, peacefully. Have you heard about the Free Hugs Project? You might have seen him on TV, at a recent Women’s March or Black Lives Matter rally.
“A friendly embrace will put a smile on your face.” — Ken Nwadike
Ken Nwadike, founder of the Free Hugs Project, is inspired to continue the movement of nonviolent activist Martin Luther King, Jr. His goal is to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues.
Check him out. He’s remarkable.
Volunteer
Seriously, does anything feel better than donating your time? If you have a little extra time next Saturday, or some free hours after work, check out Volunteer Match to see how you can become active in your community. This website is for individuals searching for volunteer opportunities and nonprofits seeking more help. Volunteer Match has connected nearly 12 million individuals since 1998.
Start a Campaign
There’s a million ways to start a grassroots campaign. Find people who are motivated to make change for the issue you care about. Work together and figure out what you want to accomplish and how you’re going to make a difference in the community.
Ink to the People allows users an easy to use, hassle free platform to create t-shirt fundraising campaigns for causes they care about while providing users with custom designs and high quality wearables. It’s easy to start your campaign! Once you do, promote it. Seriously, they handle everything else — processing, inventory, and shipping!
Wear your voice. The power of a t-shirt goes a long way.
Join a Campaign
So you’ve done your research. You know what sparks your interest and you’re ready to put it into action…but not alone. We understand.
Join an existing movement. They’re happening all over the world, at various levels. If there’s a politician you admire, give them a call and participate in their campaign.
Influence People
It starts with you. Channel that hopelessness into eagerness. Engage with your community, talk about it. Ask questions. Start a conversation. Share your ideas. Take action. Tell your group of change makers what you want to accomplish.
Remain positive in times of doubt, encourage peaceful involvement from all that you encounter. Use the information you gathered to your advantage. Identify who the pillars of support are that keep the injustice in place, work against them.
Most importantly, get off social media. If you’re looking to make real change, get out there and be active. Walk door to door, go to community meetings or gather your friends for a thoughtful discussion. We know social media has its perks but its more powerful if you use it to show them how you’re making change.
Donate
Set an example, join a cause and donate. Nonprofits always need money to cure diseases, fight injustices, provide crucial services, and necessary supplies or equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask where the money is going. Often times you’ll find donation information on the website. Your impact will make a difference, so ask them how.
Use Charity Navigator, which guides donors to give intelligently.
Overall, we want you to fight for causes you care about. In a world where nothing is certain, we promise you that your influence matters. This is just the beginning. Be a change-maker.
