Well, folks. Here we are. The first Friday of the New Year. I can’t promise that I am going to post on activism on a weekly basis. I get overwhelmed by the state of things sometimes, and I have to take a break. I am only one person. It doesn’t mean that I don’t matter, but it means I can give myself permission not to try to carry the weight of the world by myself. I might even be open to a guest post, if anyone is interested.
So I need to stay politically active. I have voted at every opportunity, and I have informed myself before hitting the polls so I’m not just voting blind (someone I know once had a moment where they thought they had accidentally voted for Stacey Campfield. The stuff of nightmares!)
Maybe the stupidest human being on the planet? And he got re-elected in our district because people didn’t realize who they were voting for. “Stacey? That’s some girl, right? Wimmen’s Lib!” This is why I will not cast a vote without knowing one candidate from another!
It was disheartening to learn that out of my city of 186,000 people, 11,000 voted in the November election, and it was the highest turn-out ever for an election that didn’t have anything state or federal on the ballot. But I was encouraged because several of the seats were taken by first-timers, one whose fundraising was a strictly grassroots effort. And I taught my kids that city elections are maybe even more important than national because it affects us right here at home. So that’s good. Now what?
- I can help people get connected to health insurance. Enrollment for health insurance is still open for 7 states, almost a quarter of the US population! Looking for health insurance? Maybe your state is one of them. Check here. Congress got rid of the individual mandate, which destabilizes a market that was beginning to shore itself up, but young and healthy people can still stick it to the man by getting insurance even though the government says you don’t have to.
- I can learn about running for office. There’s an amazing website I found (maybe more than one) that gives the basics. This year, I am going to take the free class in how to run. If you go to that website and put in your address, it will tell you what elected offices are available and when the next election is.
- I can call my representatives. I have one number for each on my speed dial, but I am going to add numbers for their other offices, too. I called so often this Fall that the intern answering the phone was tired of hearing from me. Want to find yours? Go here.
- I will probably find my way to a protest or two. Them things is galvanizing.
- And of course, I will share what I have done here. It’s my way of holding myself accountable. If I inspire someone else to action along the way, so much the better.
So that’s my list. What will you be doing in the coming year? And how can I help?
Becoming Cliche 
Good for you. For myself, a (female, veteran, 50 year old) Biologist by training and profession, who happens to be a small business owner – I’m also active politically and I’m a Republican. I will no longer be following your posts, but good luck to you in all you do.
I think it’s up to ALL of us to do what we think is right, to push for policies that line up with our values. Best wishes to you, too. If I can encourage anyone to engage politically, I’m really glad. It’s not all about what I want. It’s about something bigger than that. Work for what you believe. We all need to do that, for our country AND our sanity.
Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
I’m signed up with Indivisible for a quick response protest if the dumpster fires Mueller.
I really like Indivisible. I signed up for Daily Kos, but they are spamming me to death, and some of the stuff they share is so far left that it’s about to fall off the edge of the earth. Indivisible is less reactionary and more informative.
I’ve called mine and many other people’s representatives over the past year. And I’ll keep on call until they block my number.
I’m proud of you! Well done!