As you contemplate potential new year’s resolutions for 2024, here are seven steps each of us might take to move towards greater involvement in the Georgia political scene and to demonstrate support for the policy goals Democratic candidates propose.
Please consider adopting some or all of these resolutions as you begin the new year:
- Be INFORMED
Make it part of your daily routine to check reliable news sources. Consider purchasing subscriptions to legitimate news organizations, including Georgia’s recently established community journalism platforms. Quality journalism needs and deserves paid subscribers to compete with sometimes more “interesting and readable” but entirely fictional “fake news” propped up by huge cash infusions from authoritarian regimes in other parts of the world.
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader once said, “Nothing can stop the power of an informed citizenry when it is empowered, organized, and motivated.” Regrettably, much of the division which seems to be ripping our nation to shreds arises from “ill-informed citizenry” which often believes “news” from fake sources supported by our nation’s enemies. Resolve to be more responsible for the accuracy of what you post and share on social media and the sources for “facts” on which you base your opinions. Share only factual information from trusted sources.
In a particularly polarized political environment, it is incumbent upon all Democrats to be able to talk to swing and persuadable voters in a respectful and articulate fashion about why they will vote for Democratic candidates in 2024. Being informed allows you to talk calmly about your Democratic values and offers the best opportunity for persuading other voters. Personal conversations among friends and acquaintances are far more persuasive than television ads, direct mail or phone calls from strangers.
- Be a RESPECTFUL ADVOCATE
Advocacy is raising your voice to promote the causes you hold dear. Effective advocacy does not require special training.
Put your elected representatives at the national, state and local level on speed dial. Resolve to make your opinions known on proposed legislation and policies with phone calls and clearly worded, carefully thought-out letters and e-mails.
If you are fortunate enough to be represented by a member of congress or state legislators who consistently vote your values, express your appreciation. In these divided times, letters or phone calls demonstrating appreciation and support off-set the avalanche of toxic messages from those on the other side. Elected officials say there are far too many of the latter and the current toxic political environment is already leading to Congressional and legislative retirement decisions.
If your elected representatives take positions contrary to your beliefs, call their offices to make your voice heard, but do so in a respectful fashion. Staffers for all elected officials keep daily report tallies for calls received and opinions expressed – it only takes a minute to make sure your opinions are represented in those numbers. But, remember staffers answering the phones deserve to be treated with respect!
When possible, show up at the Capitol for hearings or press conferences on state issues or at meetings of your city, county or school board to make your voice heard or show support for the issues being discussed. “Suiting up and showing up” is the next step beyond a phone call or letter. Being part of the concerned citizens crowd at public hearings is often the first step many currently elected officials took on their path to elected office. Again, be respectful and practice the diplomatic art of disagreeing on issues without being disagreeable.
Consider becoming a public face for issues you care about by writing a letter to the editor or guest column for your local newspaper. Check the guidelines for submission and follow them to give your efforts more of a chance for being printed. If your letter or op-ed is not published by the outlet you have submitted it to, “publish” it yourself as a post on personal social media platforms!
- Be A CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER
It takes the proverbial “village” to run a campaign. Our WIN List endorsed candidates work hard to win elected office and they need the support of a volunteer “village” to help them knock on doors, make phone calls, and address/stamp letters or post cards. Teams who will engage in door-to-door voter contact are always needed. As election day nears, campaigns also need volunteers who will drive voters to the polls for early voting and on election day.
Utilizing modern technology, a volunteer can place phone calls for a candidate without ever leaving the comfort of home. It is easy and requires no additional special equipment. The campaign will provide you with a script and instructions.
Many currently elected women in Georgia volunteered in the campaigns of other candidates long before they placed their own names on a ballot. Campaigning for someone else is a great way to “test the waters” for whether you wish to run for office yourself someday.
- Be an OPINION LEADER
Be the person in your circle of friends who knows what is going on and shares that knowledge with others. Start by sharing this blog post and information about Georgia’s WIN List. Consider organizing a house party to discuss important issues – WIN List speakers will be happy to talk to your group and we are currently booking house parties and speaking engagements for 2024. Contact us if you want more information about hosting a house party or booking Executive Director Melita Easters or a board member for a speaking engagement.
Develop your leadership skills in the WIN Leadership Academy or leadership development programs offered in your community. Applications for the 2024 WIN Leadership Academy are now open. Get more information or apply here. If you are not yet ready for a leadership role, find a public servant you can offer volunteer assistance to. Most female elected officials have a supportive sisterhood of women who encouraged them to run and helped them WIN office.
- Be A PUBLIC SERVANT
Not all public service requires running for elected office. If you want to take a step in that direction, consider service on an appointed board or commission at the local, county or regional level.
These appointed boards govern a multitude of operations and provide oversight to local hospitals, libraries and industrial parks. Each county has a local board of elections to supervise the selection of polling places and the certification of election results. Many counties and cities have local zoning boards or commissions which conduct hearings and make recommendations about new development proposals and requests for exemptions from existing zoning ordinances.
Official names of these entities vary, but appointments to these board/commission/authority positions are usually made by local government officials. Ask for a list of the available positions in your community. Then, attend a few public meetings of the group to be sure this is a way you would enjoy serving before you ask to be considered for the next vacancy.
Service on these boards demonstrates your willingness to serve the community and is a great way to become involved while learning more. These positions can become a stepping-stone to future campaigns for elected offices as demonstrated by the resumes of many currently serving elected officials.
- Be CONNECTED
Follow your local elected officials and like-minded groups on social media and sign up to receive their newsletters. Attend community/neighborhood meetings, WIN List events, political party meetings and gatherings hosted by progressive groups to connect with others who share your values.
Joining others who also want to make a difference empowers the group and new recruits always bring hope to progressive causes. Following groups on social media and staying connected will lead you to opportunities for action and advocacy. Sign up for our e-blasts here. Follow Georgia WIN List on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- Be A DONOR
Georgia’s WIN List, and all progressive groups for that matter, depend upon generous donors to fund their efforts. WIN List can’t train future leaders and recruit candidates without your support. WIN List appreciates gifts in any amount. Setting up a monthly gift which is automatically charged to debit or credit cards helps us establish a budget. For example, think of donating monthly what you might otherwise spend on one evening out or that “I don’t really NEED another white blouse/pair of black shoes” to WIN List instead! Electronic payments and monthly pledges are accepted via our website.
We are grateful for the donors who have believed in our mission to Change the Face of Power in Georgia for the past 24 years. Read the list of $500 or more donors during 2023 here and consider joining them.
“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” is an old quote attributed to many, but particularly applicable today. Will you be a leader in these critical times? A failure to take action demonstrates you are willing to watch our Democracy fall into the hands of those who have pledged to destroy it. There is FAR too much at stake in 2024 to merely “get out of the way” and let others do the difficult work.
2024 is an “all hands-on deck” political storm. A rising BLUE tide in Georgia will lift candidates who have pledged to protect democracy, restore reproductive freedom, and continue the fight for justice and equality as outlined in the Declaration of Independence almost two and a half centuries ago. Each of us must do our part.
The children in our lives count on us to make the world they will inherit a better place. Twenty years from now, what will you tell the next generation you did during these critical times for our state and nation?
