What happens after the vote? Is our civic duty done? Is it now in the hands of elected officials and politicians?
It may seem that way, especially how we talk about elections here. “This is your one chance to shape the next four years.” “Democracy means voting.” “Voting is using your voice.” When we vote, we speak to the communities we want to build. Voting is about more than advancing personal comfort or immediate gain. Collective liberation, the idea that none of us are free until all of us are free, is what’s at stake. And voting can be one of our most powerful tools to advance that cause.
However, it’s just one tool for active, engaged residents. Not counting the time possibly waiting in line, you spent less than an hour voting in elections this year, even if you voted in all the elections your locality schedules. But what about the other 364 days and 23 hours?
Here’s what we’ve learned: democracy is a living, evolving structure requiring constant care and nurture. This is no small task. We fund several programs and activities, knowing it will take everyone and everything to bring our vision to life. Like our institutional approach, there are many ways for individuals to participate in democracy.
Need some ideas about participating beyond the vote? Here are just a few.
- Pay attention to legislation being introduced at all levels of government. When an issue you care about is being discussed in city, county, or state legislatures, you can call your representative to share your thoughts. Their staff is required to categorize and tally your calls. Your representative considers those sentiments and feedback when writing the legislation and/or casting their vote, and the more volume they see around an issue, the more likely they are to be swayed. This is something you can do before the legislative session even starts. Let them know you’re paying attention to – and care about – what they do.
2. You can also use your voice in person to see that they received your message. You can sign up to speak at public hearings. You can arrange a demonstration or protest. Have fun with it. Art, music, and other fun elements often speak louder than words. Does it feel like your elected officials are a circus? Dress up your pets like circus animals and throw a festival on your statehouse lawn to show them you think it’s a circus. More people will come when it’s a fun time; you can use that crowd to demonstrate public will. We recommend this book to get the ideas flowing.
- Wonder why you haven’t heard about something important happening in your community? Are you concerned that you aren’t getting an accurate perspective? Do some research and ask questions of your own. You can make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and let your community know what you find out! There are ways to write a community newsletter or record a podcast to spread the word. You can also support local independent journalism, like Cicero Independiente in Illinois or Bloc by Block News in Maryland.
4. If you think billionaires shouldn’t exist, stop giving them your money. Find independently owned alternatives, borrow it from someone who already has it, make it yourself, or repair what you already have. Don’t live in their buildings, don’t consume their media, don’t buy their cars, don’t ride in their cars, don’t use their products, don’t give them your attention. If you must do any of these things, do it as infrequently as possible. A tried-and-true method to show consumer opinion is a strike or boycott.
- Demonstrate what community care looks like to show others what is possible when we come together. Plant a garden if high grocery prices are decimating your community. No yard? Get a pot and some soil. If your friends also plant gardens, you can coordinate so everyone grows complementary produce and swaps! Start a little free food pantry, start a farmer’s market, or cook for some unhoused neighbors. You’re solving hunger in your neighborhood! If your kids’ school just had to cut costs and end its art programs, you can offer lessons if you have the skills. Start your own Saturday school or sponsor a drum circle. Hand out art supplies and support working artists. Artists will design our future, so let’s always equip them.
We wouldn’t have to fight for and piece together these resources in an ideal world. But coming together now will guarantee that world. By engaging in direct actions, you are democracy nurtured and sustained, a government of, by, and for The People. You are enacting change in your community. You don’t need an election to be an active democratic participant. You can exercise your rights, responsibilities, and dreams anytime – The People get things done!
