Do you spend more time than you would like complaining about things going on in government? That’s not unusual. In fact, it’s pretty much a prerequisite (or at least a direct symptom) of democracy.
Government is run by imperfect people who represent a lot of other imperfect people with a lot of different philosophies and points of view…and some of them seem to just represent themselves.
Anyone who’s paying attention (which ideally should be everyone) can find something to complain about. But is that as far as you go? Or do you ever think about taking action?
Don’t Just Complain
Is “Common Core” being pushed on your (up until now) good school district? Grading standards being dumbed down? What are you going to do about it? Have you attended a school board meeting and spoken out? Carried a crew of other angry parents with you to do the same?
Is your local public school board trying to pass a millage increase, all the while spending record amounts of money on extra layers of educrats? What are you going to do about it? Just cuss when you get the tax bill? How about starting a petition campaign to oppose it?
Is your county about to vote on another wasteful bond referendum? What are you going to do about it (other than pay for it later)? Have you written a letter to the editor? Print it as a flyer and leave it on doors in your neighborhood, or cars in the parking lot at the next council meeting.
Are you tired of so few people who seem to know much of anything about what your local government is doing? What are you going to do about it? Start a Facebook page, online newsgroup or a simple website. Maybe set up an email list and keep people up to date with what’s going on. Encourage everyone you know to share it with others.
Sick of elected officials who don’t listen, or who make promises but don’t deliver after they’re elected? What are you going to do about it? Have you tried to help someone else get elected? Volunteered or made a contribution? How about talking with others who think like you do and trying to recruit someone to run for office?
Get Involved
The main reason to “do something” is because it’s your responsibility, since you live in a country where you have the right to political activism. But another reason is because even if you just simply speak up, it lets other people like you know that they’re not alone. When they see that, they’re more likely to speak up or take action too.
If you don’t “do something”, odds are you’ll have even more to complain about later. But when you get involved, things change.
Take a moment right now and make a conscious decision to “do something”. Then make a note so you don’t forget.
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Have any examples of how you were able to get involved that you think would encourage others? Share it in the comments below.
Social tagging: activism > Grassroots