It's Never Too Late To Become Politically Active - Here's How To Get Started
Politics have a direct impact on your life, so it's hard not to want to give elected officials a piece of your mind when the decisions they make affect you negatively. For example, the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are still reverberating around the globe, as we have seen from the prices of essential goods rising sharply (via CNBC). The International Monetary Fund told CNBC that this hike in food and fuel prices "may also significantly increase the prospect of social unrest in poorer countries."
When issues you care about are at stake, it's important to remember that you have every right to have an opinion about how your community, your state, and the country are being run. And whether you lean left or right, or are not sure, it's never too late to voice your concerns. If you are frustrated with what's going on where you live, be it the passing of a preposterous policy or an ineffective administration, there are many ways you can work to protect the values you stand for. Here's what you can do to exercise your right to be a good citizen by becoming politically active.
Register to vote and volunteer for political campaigns
According to National Geographic, voting is "one of the key freedoms of American life." In the U.S., most citizens who are 18 years old and older are entitled to vote. Making the choice to vote "means better representation, more funding to our communities, and a better quality of life" (via AACTNow). Voting can impact everything from healthcare and education to infrastructure and safety, so it is important to make your voice heard.
Additional ways to become more civically involved include becoming an activist or community organizer and advocating for policy change (via Ignite). You can also volunteer to work for a political campaign. According to StreetCivics, once you have identified the candidate and campaign you want to join, get to work by finding the right role for you, which could be anything from assembling mailers to canvassing door-to-door and talking to people one-on-one. And rather than focusing solely on presidential campaigns, experiment with local and state offices, as well. Throughout the process, you'll get to meet people from all walks of life and listen to their perspectives and opinions, which will broaden your horizons beyond measure.
Attend town hall meetings and run for office
Another opportunity to become more politically involved is to attend your local town hall or council meetings. According to Political Charge, a town hall meeting is a public event where elected officials engage with their constituents. At town halls, you'll be able to hear others' concerns and gain a more complete picture of how the people around you feel about particular issues.
And once you gain more knowledge about the political process, and discover what you can contribute to a community whose interests matter to you, you may consider running for office yourself. As Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison said in a 1981 speech, as reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." In terms of running for office, Morrison's words can be interpreted to mean if you see something you believe should be changed, but it hasn't yet, you must change it yourself. Whether you decide to run for office at the local or state levels, or even eventually the federal level, be sure to thoroughly research everything that it would entail, including its effect on your free time, your finances, and your family (via How To Run For Office).
If you're keen to make your community a better place, actively participating in the political process is the way to do it. Not only will you broaden your knowledge and viewpoints, but you will also be able to build significant relationships with like-minded individuals with whom you can fight alongside for what you believe in.