Call State Gov
Calling national politicians often feels like shouting into the wind, so zoom in! The difference between Oregon and Florida is state leadership. In places where local structures stand up for rights, erosion costs the regime dearly. In places where politicians grease the skids…not so much. Your voice is louder locally, and red-state politicians are getting worried about the midterms.
Add calls to local politicians to your rotation!
How to do it:
There are no national clearinghouses for state politicians, but there are links here that can help you identify them: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. If that doesn’t work, ask your librarian or call any group that engages in political action (Indivisible, Democratic party, League of Minority Voters) or check your state’s official web site. Create contacts for each person. Considering adding your state initials or a brief description to help you find them later.
If you find phone calls easy, get in the habit of calling while you commute or fold the laundry. Either call with your thoughts about an issue you’ve learned about from groups you follow, or call and ask them what they’re voting on this week. For example: “I’ve heard there are a lot of anti-transgender bills around the nation? Do we have anything like that being considered?” If there isn’t anything, you can say “That’s wonderful! I wouldn’t support things like that.” If there is, ask questions and discuss the issue—local offices are more likely to have time for actual engagement. Make sure to state your position at the end of the call.
If you find phone calls challenging, then only call when there is a specific issue of concern. To identify state or local issues, follow local groups that engage in lobbying/political activism on topics of interest to you. They will post about opportunities to weigh in (many of which will not require a call.)
