Discussion How to become politically active?

[VargosMelon]

Hello? I'm not sure how to start this post, other than get to the point. I want to be more politically active, but I'm basically home bound. What are some things I can do. I know I can reach out to my representatives, I know I can attend City Halls, vote. What are some other options that I haven't considered? Is anyone else concerned about politics?

 

[DivineSpark]

I dont really care about local politics, I didnt vote in presidential election and such. But I am interested in american politics because it is pure entertaiment to me.

 

[VargosMelon]

I dont really care about local politics, I didnt vote in presidential election and such. But I am interested in american politics because it is pure entertaiment to me.

Yeah? What's the most entertaining aspect?

 

[Forever Sleep]

I guess you could contact the offices of a local MP you agree with, explain your situation and ask how to be involved more. I'm sure they welcome volunteers.

What do you mean exactly? You want to help campaign for someone you believe in? You want to take part in political debates? You want to learn more?

I'm not at all political myself but, I kind of admire people who are.

 

[SVEN]

I'd guess that nearing elections most political parties are always looking for volunteers and pollsters to reach out to folk they have on their database. So, possibly some would be able to issue a "party" mobile 'phone which would cost you nothing to use to contact voters from their list. Nowadays, again, I'd expect them to have a fair amount of online computer comms and projects to be used, maintained and updated.

 

[cemeteryismyhome]

be prepared to be disappointed

 

[commuter]

if you can come up with a short list of political subjects you're passionate about, you might be able to check social media sites (and/or do some googling) to see if there's any extant organizations in your area which focus on those.

for instance: i'm invested in disability-related issues, so i might search up something like "[area] disability justice org" or "[area] accessibility coalition", and check relevant groups' public pages for info about how to reach out to them or get involved

 

[psp3000]

keep up with what your local libraries (clubs and groups, talks and flyers and events and meetups) and news papers (or favourite local newspaper or magazine) are doing by signing up for their emails and browsing their websites

or if you're ever at the library they usually have various kinds of local news publications you can pick up for free

the library is a very underrated resource

(also some libraries can or will drive to you)

 

[VargosMelon]

I guess you could contact the offices of a local MP you agree with, explain your situation and ask how to be involved more. I'm sure they welcome volunteers.

What do you mean exactly? You want to help campaign for someone you believe in? You want to take part in political debates? You want to learn more?

I'm not at all political myself but, I kind of admire people who are.

I guess I want to be able to change policy, influence laws, and bring about the change I wanna see happen politically. For instance, free childcare, or something like that.

be prepared to be disappointed

Lol, yeah I'm a wannabe activist, and I don't really know much about getting involved in politics. Recently I just realized that I don't even know where to read about my state's laws. So that's something I'm gonna have to figure out. I know I can't change big things -- I'm one person, but I was hoping I could at least influence stuff locally in my community.

if you can come up with a short list of political subjects you're passionate about, you might be able to check social media sites (and/or do some googling) to see if there's any extant organizations in your area which focus on those.

for instance: i'm invested in disability-related issues, so i might search up something like "[area] disability justice org" or "[area] accessibility coalition", and check relevant groups' public pages for info about how to reach out to them or get involved

Yeah! I did narrow down some issues that I want to focus on: Abortion Rights / Pro-choice, Ensuring Civil Liberties protections -- I've been mostly paying attention to Trans issues since it's what's been getting a lot of negative policies made, and lastly US involvement within destabilizing other countries.

keep up with what your local libraries (clubs and groups, talks and flyers and events and meetups) and news papers (or favourite local newspaper or magazine) are doing by signing up for their emails and browsing their websites

or if you're ever at the library they usually have various kinds of local news publications you can pick up for free

the library is a very underrated resource

(also some libraries can or will drive to you)

Wow I didn't know libraries could drive to you -- I am currently house-bound so that would be wonderful. Recently I have been exploring the resources afforded at my local library, such as loaning e-books through Libby. I also learned about book clubs, and how you can suggest programs, I had wanted to suggest one regarding learning a variety of subjects that sorta link together: media literacy, government policy functions, among other things.