Protect Your Values in Your City

Ways to stay involved, engaged, and influential — long after election night.

The work to protect your values in your city and state doesn’t end on November 3rd. Listed below are ways that you can stay involved, engaged, and influential in the policy and legislation that is being enacted in your community. A win on election night shouldn’t cause us to become apathetic, and a loss shouldn’t cause us to become discouraged. There are plenty of opportunities for you to continue to influence policy and the values being protected in your city, county, and state well after the elections are over.

1. Attend local government meetings

Attending local government meetings such as city council, school board, and county commissioner meetings will keep you informed of what issues are being discussed and voted on. These meetings typically have opportunities for the public to provide their input and comments on agenda items. Attending these meetings will not only allow elected officials to become familiar with who you are but also allow you to proactively address issues well in advance of the final vote.

2. Participate in public hearings and town halls

Typically before final votes on major issues or policies, elected officials will hold public hearings or town halls to get public feedback. These are a great opportunity to gather family, friends, and church community to attend these meetings and show that there is a large group in the community that feels strongly about a particular issue. Showing up in large numbers at these events not only sends a message to elected officials, but also shows the opposition and media that you are serious and committed to defending or opposing a certain issue.

3. Get to know your local elected officials

Reaching out to your elected officials by phone, email, or in person allows them to become familiar with who you are and what you stand for. Consistent interactions voicing your feedback, concerns, thankfulness, and encouragement let your elected official know that you care and are invested in the future of your community. It is imperative that these interactions are respectful. Even if you passionately disagree with an action by your elected official, if this disagreement is voiced with respect, they will be more likely to listen to your concerns and possibly even change their mind.

4. Join local boards, task forces, and committees

Many local levels of government will have volunteer committees and task forces that the public can apply to serve on to help with policy research and creation. These are a great way to not only influence potential policy decisions in the early stages of development but also build a rapport with local government staff. Many times these opportunities are not advertised, so check your city, county, and school district websites for opportunities to serve on a committee, board, or task force.