It is an interesting time for our nation’s politics. With so much at stake for the future, people across the country are looking at different ways in which they can improve our nation.
The best way to get started is also the easiest, just get involved. As the cliché goes, “Decisions are made by those who show up.” If you are a concerned citizen who has always had the desire to get involved in advocacy at either the federal, state or local level, now is the time to SHOW UP. And remember, it is never too late to become an advocate.
Advocacy is really a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of effort. To be involved in the political process, you first need to find the issues that you feel are most important to you and things that you are passionate about. For some, it might be about immigration rights and for others it can be lower taxes …and for others it can even be both!
The first step to becoming an advocate is to educate yourself on the issues surrounding your passions and aligning yourself with organizations that support your cause. In doing so, you will now be exposed to new and different ways in which you can make your voice and opinions heard.
At Goodwill ®, our advocates are fighting every day for job opportunities and a better tomorrow. To better familiarize yourself with the different issues that impact communities across the country, please visit our website. If you are as passionate about jobs and job training opportunities as we are, we ask that you join us and become a Goodwill advocate by registering with our Legislative Action Center.
Once you have become more informed on the issues that you care about, the second step is to engage with your lawmakers. Our Legislative Action Center allows you to look up your elected officials and easily contact them via email. You can also follow your lawmakers on social media. We follow every lawmaker on Twitter via @GoodwillCapHill, but many lawmakers have Facebook pages where they share their views and upcoming events, and newsletters to which you subscribe.
Speaking up and speaking out is what changes things in our great country. As Margaret Mead taught us, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
