Stressed About Politics?
It wouldn’t be a shocking statement to say the state of our politics is about as divided as it can get. We can’t turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or browse our phones without learning a new way our human rights are being challenged and the environment is being destroyed. Going about our lives as if none of this is happening feels almost impossible.
When we feel like our autonomy and way of life is threatened and we’re powerless to change it, we feel more anxious, depressed, and just overall angry at the way our world works. Left unchecked, these feelings can impact how we talk to our loved ones, our ability to show up at work, and our overall physical health (stress negatively impacts almost every system in our body! ). Most of us know the political events that are causing us anger and frustration and would like to do something about it but have no idea where to start. Luckily there are a lot of things we can do as US citizens and residents to make a political difference that can help us feel less like victims of our society and more like champions of a cause.
Ways to get Involved
Be confident in what you stand for and do your research on it.
Most people have a general idea of what they believe in and legislation they’re for or against, but knowing the specifics of how these laws will impact people, what the arguments for and against it are, and the steps you can take to protect this legislation will empower you to actually do something about it. Google the topics you care about and look at recent news articles to see what’s been happening lately. Find news articles and youtube videos that break down the issue and why people are for and against it. The great thing about the internet is everyone can share their interpretations of what’s going on, so take some time to explore what different sources have to say about it and what others are doing to get involved.
Have uncomfortable conversations with people.
After you’ve researched a topic and feel confident in your knowledge about it, have a conversation with someone who has a different perspective. Try to approach the conversation in a way that’s curious and not with the goal of changing their mind. You’re just talking with them about something you both care about and learning why they think the way they do. You may find yourself developing a deeper understanding of why they hold their opinions and even shifting your own stance on the issue. It’s so easy to demonize people who don’t have the same political beliefs as us, especially in our highly polarized society, but taking the time to connect with someone on a different side of the political spectrum can reduce feelings of resentment and help you feel more in tune with your community members.
Know what local elections are happening in your home town and research the candidates.
Important elections aren’t just every 4 years. In fact the smaller elections often have a big impact on the outcome of bigger elections, like those for governor and the president. Taking the time to know what elections are happening, who the candidates are, and making an effort to participate has the potential to change the political landscape of your town. You can visit the U.S. Vote Foundation to find out the dates of local elections in your state, important deadlines related to that election, register to vote, and general FAQs about voting. You can also visit VOTE411 to learn about your local elections and the candidates running. After entering your address you can view a list of all of the elections, a preview of the ballot, and candidates’ responses to questions like “what makes you the best candidate?” and “what are the issues that matter most to you?”. Another way you can learn more about each candidate is to just google them. Most will have a website that lays out their values and plan if elected and you can get a better sense of who they are as a person. You can also email them directly and ask questions. Most candidates make their email available for inquiries from the public, so reaching out and asking questions is a great way to gauge whether they are worth your vote or not.
GO VOTE!
Once you’ve done some research on the candidates and the elections, get yourself out the door and show up to the polls. Even if you haven’t had time to research the candidates but know which party tends to align with your values, go vote for your party. Regardless of the outcome, the knowledge that you took time to show up and make your voice heard (which fewer than 40% of US citizens do for local elections) serves as a reminder that you can have an impact regardless of age, race, or income.
Get involved in your community.
Whether it’s attending local town halls, activist marches, or holding a get together with your neighborhood, the more opportunities you have to connect with your community, the more you will get a feel for the issues everyone is facing. You may find yourself banning together with some of your neighbors to confront the mayor at a local town hall, or organizing a fundraiser for someone who is struggling to pay medical bills. You can also connect with organizations that fight for the issues you care about and attend any events they host, which will give you the opportunity to meet like minded people who are passionate about the same issues and learn more about how they’re advocating.
The heart of political activism is human connection, so the more you’re able to connect with your community, the more genuine your activism will be, and the more potential it will have to create meaningful change.
Summary
As you can see, getting involved in politics doesn’t have to include going to your state capital and talking to senators, donating half of your paycheck to your favorite political activist group, or trying to convince everyone you talk to of your point of view. If you want to do something to support the legislation you believe in, it can be as big or as little as you want. It is so easy to absorb every piece of negative news and feel the weight of the worlds injustices on your little shoulders, which is why it is so important to remind yourself that you don’t need to and can’t fix everything, but you can do little things that will remind you of your power and make a meaningful impact on the world.
