Across the Political Spectrum: Influence Your Elected Officials

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The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.

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Getting Involved in Political Activism: Engagement vs. Mobilization

Before you jump straight into political activism, decide whether it is the cause closest to your heart. If it is, you can dive deep, using your best skills and a method that motivates you. Deep engagement might look like running for office, organizing a town hall meeting, and lobbying.

If another cause is closest to your heart, you can still influence your elected representatives by supporting political activism. This might look like showing up for protests, calling your elected representatives on issues important to you, voting consistently, and donating to worthy candidates.

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How to Get Started

Take a thoughtful approach to getting started in activism. You’ll be more motivated and effective.

Start your journey on the 5-step Activism Path.

If political activism is the cause closest to your heart, narrow your focus to be more effective.
Match your skills with the type of activism work that best suits you.
Find an activism opportunity that works for your life.
Decide if your activism truly makes an impact.
Stay motivated in your activism for the long-term.

Methods to Influence Your Elected Representatives to Act for Your Cause

Lobbying

A lobbying definition is influencing the decisions of government officials, particularly legislators or regulatory agencies, on behalf of your cause. But there are different lobbying approaches:

Direct Lobbying Definition: Involves direct communication with lawmakers or government officials to advocate for a specific policy or issue.
Grassroots Lobbying Definition: Encourages the general public to contact their elected representatives to influence policy decisions.
Lobbying with a Petition: Involves gathering signatures of constituents. showing their support for your cause.

Meeting with representatives or their staffers to discuss your concerns supplies a direct line of communication. Evidence shows that face-to-face meetings can have a powerful influence, even if they are on the other side of the political spectrum.

Several staffers have told me that one meeting or call actually counts as ten. They assume that nine other people have the same position as you but didn’t make the call.

Meeting with a staff person instead of a representative is just as fruitful. Staffers compile all the comments and recommend a strategy.

Remember–they work for you.

Research

Before contacting your elected representatives, research the issue. This will help you to craft a more effective message.

Know Your Call to Action

Tell your story. Be clear and concise. Tell them what you want them to do and why.

Be Influential

Make it easy for your ask to be accepted. Craft a clear and concise message. Deliver your message respectfully so they will be more likely to accept your position.

If you don’t hear back from your elected representatives immediately, keep contacting them until you get a response.

Protests

Protests can also effectively influence elected representatives. Studies show that protests can increase the likelihood that elected representatives will introduce or cosponsor legislation on the issue being protested.

Grassroots Mobilization

Organizing rallies, town halls, and community meetings to bring attention to your cause, proving solid local support that elected representatives cannot ignore.

Letter-Writing Campaigns

Craft letters that tell your story and ask for a specific call to action. Gain attention and show the public cares about your issue.

Social Media Campaigns

Strategic use of social media can amplify your message, engage a wider audience, and catch the attention of elected officials. Politicals across the political spectrum pay attention to social media.

Coalition Building

Form alliances with other organizations and activists who share your cause. Many voices are more challenging to ignore.

Political Activism and Patriotism: Are They Compatible?

Patriotism is often seen as a love of one’s country. In contrast, political activism is often seen as challenging the status quo. So, can these two things coexist?

The answer is yes, but it’s not always easy. Political activism can be a way to hold our leaders accountable and to make our country a better place. Still, it can also be seen as unpatriotic to those on the other end of the political spectrum.

However, you can be a patriot and still challenge the government when you believe it is doing something wrong. You can love your country and still want to make it better.

Patriotism and political activism are both crucial parts of a healthy democracy. Being both a patriot and an activist, you can help make your country a better place for everyone.

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Resources

Here are some other resources that you may find helpful:

Sign up for the American of Conscience Checklist, and you will receive well-researched actions that support democracy, equality, voting, and decency. Here is an example: