Getting Involved: Local Politics

Getting involved in local politics is a great way to make a positive impact on your community and have a say in the decisions that affect your daily life. Your Mayor and City Council engage in the most direct form of democracy but without your voice they will make decisions about you - without you. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Attend local government meetings: Many cities and towns have regular meetings of their city council, school board, or other government bodies. Attending these meetings is a great way to stay informed about what is happening in your community and to voice your opinions on issues that matter to you. You can find your city website and code book here

2. Join a local political group: There are often groups in your community that focus on specific issues, such as the environment, education, or transportation. Joining one of these groups is a good way to get involved in local politics and work with others who share your interests. Look for a group here!

3. Run for office: After engaging in citizen political action I decided to run for office. If you are passionate about a particular issue or want to make a bigger impact on your community, consider running for office. This could be anything from school board member to city councilor to mayor. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive and I can't imagine a more direct way to impact your community for the better. Run For Something offers lots of support and resources for first time candidates!

4. Volunteer on a campaign: If you don't feel ready to run for office yourself, you can still get involved in local politics by volunteering on a campaign for a candidate you support. I got my feet wet in politics by volunteering on the ground for campaigns in 2018 and 2020. This can be a great way to learn more about the political process and make a difference in your community. Use this site to find elections in you area.

5. Get to know your elected officials: Your local elected officials represent you and your community, so it is important to know who they are and what they stand for. Attend town halls or other public events where you can meet and speak with your elected officials, and don't be afraid to contact them with questions or concerns.

Getting involved in local politics has made me feel less isolated and more hopeful about the future of our democracy. You can help shape this future and make a positive impact on the issues that matter to you by getting involved asap. There is no time like the present.

-Rosemary