Be Politically Active

The political process is central to a modern, democratic society and to shift the status quo. Elections, legislation, and political decision-making are all important functions that require the engagement of ordinary citizens. Being politically active not only broadens your sense of community, and establishes a sense of meaning in your life, but activists are generally happier, have a greater sense of purpose, and have more social connections. There are several ways to become politically active, including on social media, within civic groups, or by joining political campaigns.

Steps

Beginning Political Action

1. Vote and encourage others to do so. Voting is the core of the democratic process and is a critical part of anyone’s personal political activism. Register to vote and be sure your vote counts.
   • Volunteer at a Register Voters or as an election poll worker. This work is critical to conducting open, accurate, and fair elections.
2. Find political causes you care about. Frequently, personal connections to current events can spur people to speak out for a cause. Identify social problems, such as poverty, animal welfare, or the environment, that make you want to take action and make a difference in society.
   • Make note of your particular skills. If you can speak several languages, have teaching experience, or are knowledgeable in a particular area, you can put this to good use in worthwhile organizations.
   • Volunteer with political organizations that match your interests. Many non-profit organizations with political agendas need both monetary help as well as volunteer service.
3. Show your political pride. Political expression through signage communicates your support for particular causes or candidates and can help get the message out. Bumper stickers, yard signs, and political apparel can be a fun, low-key way to get involved in politics and illustrate your values to others.
4. Contact your elected officials. Sometimes being politically active means merely using your voice to make a difference. Write to your local, state, and federally elected officials to make your opinion on political issues known. Describe what you see as the problem, and urge them to vote the way you feel best makes a difference.
   • Keep up with the news in order to understand all sides of the political issue at hand. Read local and national newspapers, or reputable news websites to find out the debates.
   • Know the political system, and how bills make their way through state and federal channels. Find your Congressional district, and who your senators and representatives are.
5. Get involved with local elections. While the excitement of national politics often takes center stage, local government and its impact on civic quality of life cannot be underestimated.
   • Volunteering and voting in local elections ensures you have a say in your community, and in your local government services, such as emergency services or local utilities.
   • Local elections can have a big impact on your wallet when financial decisions like budgets or tax cuts are on the ballot.
6. Volunteer with political campaigns. You can get involved with local or national elections on the ground by joining candidates’ campaigns as a volunteer. You’ll be able to speak directly to voters, either in person or on the phone, and help get the message out.
7. Fundraise for political action committees. All political policies and programs need money to implement them. Your financial contributions are an effective way to be politically active. Political action committees, or “PAC’s” are organizations that raise money to influence elections or legislation. Because they can donate larger amounts of money than individual donors, they can serve as an important source of funding for campaigns and candidates.
   • Consult the Federal Election Committee for a list of political action committees and their causes.
   • You can legally donate up to $5,000 per calendar year to a PAC that supports federal candidates.
8. Practice safe, non-violent public protesting. Organized, public demonstrations are a traditional element of political activism. Marches, demonstrations, rallies, and public speeches can help attract other people to a cause and draw attention to the message. Because some of these events can turn violent, be sure to have an exit strategy. Plan what to do if there is a stampede, mass arrests, or violence.
   • Be prepared. Bring food, water, and any necessary medical supplies, and wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
   • Attend the event with friends or people you know, and stay together as a group. Let others know you are attending the protest ahead of time.
   • Know your rights if you are stopped by police or arrested. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney.

Using Social Media

1. Take advantage of social media platforms. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking sites are effective channels to organize grassroots political activism. Create a profile and follow political candidates and organizations for the latest news. You can also join groups on the site that are involved in political issues. Using social media to can help influence voting patterns.
   • Be active on the platform to engage other users. Make sure to blog, tweet, or post on a consistent basis.
   • Use social networking to expand your reach when it matters. If you are fundraising or planning a particular event, posting about it on social networking sites can increase interest and attendance when it counts.
   • Use images or videos to attract more likes, clicks, and reposts.
   • Tailor your posts based on the kind of social media channel you are using. Snapchat and Instagram are very different platforms than Facebook or LinkedIn. Ensure your posts fit the media.
2. Start a petition. Social media networks are a great way to spread the word about one of the most traditional forms of political activism – the petition. Keep petitions short and to the point, and explain to people why they should sign. Make sure it has a clear explanation of the problem to mobilize supporters and propose a direct solution.
   • Choose from a variety of websites that will help you electronically circulate your petition. Sites like Change.org or thepetitionsite.org are easy to use and can provide a simple link that you can post on your social media profile to reach as many people as possible.
3. Plan a political event. Facebook and other sites like it are a great way to invite other social media users to any political events you may organize, including rallies, marches, or demonstrations. Create an invitation and invite the chosen audience, or post it on your personal page to drive traffic and interest.
   • You can also share real-time updates, post-event follow-ups, or use the page to share photos afterwards.
4. Raise money. Social media use is an effective method for boosting fundraising for political causes that you are involved with. By creating an online fundraiser and sharing it across social media sites, you can widely increase the number of potential donors.
   • Ask others to specifically share the campaign on their own pages to reach a larger audience. Give users a “follow-up” after donation.
5. Practice social media etiquette. Politics can turn inflammatory, so be sure to use best practices, and be respectful of others’ views.
   • Avoid making polarizing statements or castigating others’ viewpoints.
   • Keep debates friendly and avoid using slurs or offensive language.

Maintaining Political Engagement

1. Practice activism at work or school. Get involved with workplace and campus groups to stay engaged and make a difference. You’ll gain critical thinking skills, increase your sense of civic engagement and acquire a greater sense of social responsibility.
2. Do your research. Read, listen to, and watch media and news from all sides of the issues to be well informed. Familiarize yourself with the key trends and issues that are today’s top political priorities.
3. Write opinion pieces for local or national media. More formal than social media posts, opinion-editorial pieces that are published widely can help you publicize your political causes and influence public policy.
   • Track the news and make your essay timely and on topic to national events.
   • Personalize the essay with specific and memorable examples to engage and inspire your readers.
   • Look for an appropriate media outlet based on the issue you are discussing. It may be an online news source, or a local or regional newspaper, or a national magazine.
4. Develop political programming. Invite your elected officials (whether local, state, or national) to speak to groups or organizations you belong to. Host discussion meetings on political issues important to your community.
   • Try planning a moderated panel with several speakers on all sides of the political spectrum to showcase multiple points of view.
   • Consider inviting a journalist to speak to your group. They can offer important analysis on issues.

References

See also

• Become a World Leader
• Be a Political Intern
• Create an Independent Party
• Become President in Your First Election
• Become a Legend President for a Weak Country
• Organise a Political Party
• Run for City Council
• Research Legislation if You Are an Intern on Capitol Hill
• Become Politically Well Connected
• Recruit Political Volunteers

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