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11 Ways to Become More Politically Engaged this President’s Day & Beyond

11 Ways to Become More Politically Engaged this President’s Day & Beyond

President’s Day is the perfect time to write a post about becoming more politically engaged, don’t you think?

Actually, any time is the perfect time. Now is always the perfect time for action. Something procrastinators like me should keep in mind regarding many things.

Some readers get uptight when I write about anything political. And I do mean anything. I’ve been told more than once to stay in my lane. From time to time, I gently remind folks I’ll take whatever lane I want.

As long as folks are respectful, I always welcome all viewpoints.

But this isn’t even a political post. It’s a pro-democracy post. 

So, here’s my list of 11 random suggestions on how to become more politically engaged:

 1. Get local.

We’ve all heard this one, right? Grassroots seems to be a popular political buzz word. There’s a reason for it. Politics at the local level matters, too, and engagement at this level might be a good starting place to become more involved. School board seats, city council and mayor openings, state senate and rep seats — check them out and support people who support your concerns. Heck, consider running for seats yourself.

Consider running to become a delegate to your state’s convention. If your state is a caucus state, attend. Make calls. Vote in all elections you are eligible to vote in. Get involved at the local level, too.

 2. Become a more  informed citizen.

This means read stuff and not just stuff “your side” writes. Learn more about all political viewpoints. Read whatever you can wherever you can, but vary it up. If you’re more of a cable TV news person, watch different outlets and then sort out the facts and views from there.

Think for yourself. And always aim to have an open, questioning mind. (Easier said than done, right?)

 3. Listen to young people.

My generation has made a mess out of a lot of things and frankly, we don’t always listen to the younger crowd because we think we know better. Maybe we do. But maybe we don’t. Young people are smart, savvy and ready to take on way more than we might like to give them credit for. I have tremendous faith they will do a better job on all fronts than my generation has.

And on the flip side, listen to old people too. Their life experiences are a vast reservoir of knowledge and too often their voices go unheard.

 4. Become a student of history.

As the daughter of a high school history teacher and the mother of one as well, I have always had an appreciation for this subject. One of the best ways to prepare for our future is to learn from our past. 

There’s a reason those four faces are on Mt. Rushmore. Sure, those guys were flawed, as are we all. Still, they symbolize good things about America. 

 5. Write. Email. Call. Sign petitions.

Senators and representatives work for YOU. They listen to their constituents. I have contacted mine more frequently and signed more petitions in the last few years than I have in my entire life.

You must find out who yours are. Click here to find yours, and then get into the habit of contacting them whenever you want to.

You are not bothering them. Again, they work for YOU. And remember to do this at the state level, too.

 6. Meet and March.

This works for some, but it’s not for everyone. The right to gather and demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental liberty. I am not a protester sort of person. Remember, I’m an introvert. I don’t like crowds. Heck, I don’t even like people that much, period. (Kidding. Sort of).

We all witnessed the profound impact, visually anyway, the Women’s March had on the entire country no, the entire world. There’s a reason for that saying, a picture’s worth a thousand words.

 7. Practice self care.

Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do it all here either. When you feel up to it, do what you can. It all matters. If you try to do too much, you’ll just burn out anyway. And cut yourself some slack.

Becoming a more active citizen is a learning process, too. It’s a skill that takes practice. You’ll get better at this, too.

 8. Find your niche.

Some of us march. Some of us speak out. Some of us blog. Some of us run for office. Some of us donate. Some of us stuff envelopes or make phone calls. Some of us give rides. And so on.

The point is, do something.

 9. Pick your battles.

If you are an educator like me, perhaps focus on education issues. If you’re concerned about women’s reproductive rights, get involved with Planned Parenthood. If you care about healthcare, get involved on that front. In other words, don’t spread yourself too thin.

The three I mentioned are areas I care a lot about. Of course, I care about many issues, but picking a few to focus on helps keep me sane.

10. Support journalists and the free press.

This one is big, people. Dear Daughter has a hard-earned degree in journalism and worked in the field for a few years. She worked hard bringing pertinent, timely, and above all, accurate news stories to her readers.

I am offended when journalists (and others) are lumped together, attacked, and referred to as the most dishonest people on the planet.

It might be time to support your local newspaper, or whichever outlet you like and now read for free online. Perhaps write an editorial piece yourself in your local paper.

11. Run for office.

Yes, I mean YOU. And by the way, there are too many older, white men everywhere in politics. Consider running for an office at some level, especially if you are a woman. We need more women running things. Lots more.

Let’s add to this list of suggestions.

So, now it’s your turn!

And happy President’s Day!

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. – Barack Obama

What are your areas of interest, politically speaking?

Do you consider yourself to be politically active?

Do you try to listen to political viewpoints different from your own?

Sign up for news/emails from Nancy’s Point!

 

11 ways to get active in #politics #presidentsday #getinvolved

Rebecca

Sunday 19th of February 2017

Nancy, I haven't been very active on social media in general and it's partially due to political issues. I've avoided exposing myself to more upsetting news. I am still dealing with some personal stuff too -- and so far no changes in those areas. I feel overwhelmed, tired, and drained. I wish I can easily make a drastic change in my life but because I am not sure what will happen with healthcare -- one of my biggest areas of concern, in addition to women's rights -- I now feel stuck and scared to make a move. And I know many people feel the same way I do. This isn't right!

Thank you for sharing all this information with us. It's important to know how to get involved. xoxo

Nancy

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

Rebecca, Lots of people have withdrawn a bit, so you're definitely not alone. I'm sorry you are feeling overwhelmed, tired and drained. And yes, there are so many questions ahead regarding what's going to happen with healthcare and women's rights, among other things. Do what you can, when you can. Taking care of yourself must come first. Thank you for sharing. xo

Beth Gainer

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Nancy,

Great advice. When I get some time (LOL), I plan to get involved. I know your post did not take political sides, but I'll say it here: Trump is a psychopath determined to take our democracy away. That alone is reason to get involved.

By the way, I haven't written a blog post in a long time, partly because of the election and all the clutter going on in my head with that and partly because of an exciting change in my life. Working on a blog on the change in my life. Should go up soon.

Nancy

Sunday 19th of February 2017

Beth, Lots of us are feeling that "clutter" effect. I am very curious now about that exciting change! I cannot wait to hear more about it. :)

Cancer Curmudgeon

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Joined my local Indivisible a few weeks ago--and that is why I have been absent in both writing and reading. And like Claudia, I am finding some of those unacceptable cancer lessons I used to threaten to write about are applicable in this new world. I do miss my cancer friends tho'. If I get around to blogging again (for cancer) that might be a topic. Anyway, so good to read what you've been up to. xoxoxoWendi

Nancy

Sunday 19th of February 2017

CC, Good for you for joining your local Indivisible group. I downloaded the pdf, but haven't read it thoroughly yet. I'm not sure if there's a local chapter for me or not. I hope you do get around to blogging again when you're ready. Thank you for reading my post and taking time to comment, too. xo

AnnieEllie

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

Your thoughts and insights are always appreciated and welcomed Nancy. I will try to do more (for example, there is an ACLU lobby day at the state capital and they provide trainings prior to that) It does seem that a lot of organizations are pushing for help now in advocacy, which is so needed. Need to read the other linked article today, as I have postponed making a decision about whether or NOT to take an AI and now that I am several months post- radiation (but still on herceptin) I think my MO will push for a decision at our next appt. I need to find organizations to call to get more backup information (i.e. relative / absolute risk reduction) as I cannot find adequate stats and also my MO is not providing me with much information. I'll read and comment on other article I hope.

Nancy

Thursday 16th of February 2017

AnnieEllie, Advocacy has always been important, but these days lots more people are getting involved because everything feels more personal for whatever reasons. Like I said in the post, do what you can when you can. It all matters. Good luck with your decision about taking an AI or not. Remember, not everyone has intolerable side effects. I am still on an AI. It's challenging, but so far, I'm sticking with it. Thank you for reading and sharing. Sounds like you are an email subscriber, too, so thank you for that as well.

Claudia Schmidt

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

Hi Nancy, I haven't been very active on my blog and have been neglecting my fellow bloggers because of just this - I've been using my lessons learned from breast cancer advocacy and focusing instead on my concerns and fears about this new administration. Your recommendations above are all absolutely dead on! As, of course, you would be, given your intelligence and all the lessons you've learned as a breast cancer advocate. I hope that others will take your advice to heart and begin to get involved on a local level. You're so right, our generation has much to learn from the younger generation and we've sure made a mess of things but there is still lots we can do. Glad to hear you're getting involved, Nancy. I am too. #Strongertogether

Nancy

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Hi Claudia, You are not alone when you say you have been inactive on your blog due to all the other "distractions" going on these days. A different sort of advocacy has been awakened in many of us. Thanks for your kind words and thank you for getting involved, too. I agree, #strongertogether.