In an era of renewed political activism, many of our students at Daemen College are wondering how they can make a difference with respect to the political issues that they care about. 

Here are 10 practical suggestions that include insights from several of our majors and students in PSC 227: Introduction to Public Administration.

#1 Register to Vote and Vote!

Many people dismiss the significance of voting, claiming that their vote doesn’t “really count.” 

Voting is the most powerful political and civil right we have – a right for which many people have fought and sacrificed to secure and protect.  Elections have consequences, serve as referendums on policy, and provide feedback to elected officials. Policy makers pay attention to the voters and coalitions of voters who vote regularly and reliably. And yes, it is sometimes the case that just a few votes can determine the final outcome.

Vote because you can. Vote for those who cannot. Vote like your whole world depends on it.

The History and Government and Pre Law Student Associations host
multiple voter registration drives throughout the semester. 

Some people claim that by not-voting they are sending a message -- that not-voting is their form of protest.  In almost every context, there is a choice that it is better or worse given your political beliefs and values. Silence in meaningless when it comes to elections – there is no difference between principled abstention and total apathy. When you stay home on election day, you are forfeiting your single-most meaningful opportunity to influence politics and policy.

#2 Think Carefully About Partisan Affiliation

In states like New York, party affiliation is required to take part in a political party’s primary. Affiliation with a party is a form of political support and gives you a voice in who that party nominates for office – if you want to have a say in shaping a party from within, you should declare affiliation.

Do not be mindlessly reflexive about your choice – partisan affiliation reflects a psychological or emotional attachment to one party over another. Most people’s affiliation is impacted by their parents and peer network. Affiliation is not always so much a product of positive affect toward one party as it is a negative affect (or outright hostility) to the other party.  Blind loyalty is okay when it comes to supporting a sports team perhaps, but you probably want to be more strategic when it comes to politics. 

The positions of the parties change over time, and in response to real-time events – think about what your interests/preferences are and which party best represents those interests; then base your affiliation and voting behavior on the merits of the parties’ relative performance. If you belong to a party that no longer represents your position, consider changing your affiliation/support to a different party.

In closed primary states (like New York) you can only vote it a primary if you are registered with that party. You can formally change party affiliation (just fill out a new voter registration form).  But New Yorkers beware changing from one party to another must be done well in advance –if you want to change your current partisan registration status in order to vote in a different party’s presidential primary in 2020, you have to change your affiliation in 25 days in advance of the 2019 general election. 

# 3 Use Your Political Voice

Speak up and speak out on issues that matter to you, especially where it concerns elected officials.  Politicians respond to public opinion, so write, call, or text your elected officials. Your voice will be more powerful when accompanied by your vote.  Show up at town halls and other forums – and voice your desire for your representatives to hear your voice. 

You might also think about other forms of communication – letters to the editor, posts on social media, or taking part in collective, organized action such as protests, assemblies, public lectures, and debates. Be passionate and responsible citizen by engaging in meaningful, civil discourse. Understand that what you say and write may become a matter of public record. Model the behavior you’d like to see in public discourse. 

 # 4 Join a Group, Club, or Organization

AAUW Club students attend a Women's Rights March in
Historical Seneca Falls 

You can amplify your voice and pool efforts by joining a group of like-minded individuals. Social media allows us to readily connect with and communicate with others who share our interests and ideas. Social and interest are powerful in the political world. Find one that represents your interests and join up. Just be sure though to do some research first to ensure your organization is a legitimate and responsible one before you sign on to their agenda. Which leads us to another point….

#5 Learn to be a Savvy an Informed Consumer of Information

Read the newspaper, watch the news, include reputable news organizations in social media feeds to keep yourself informed and up-to-date on politics and policy.  Using a news aggregation service, that collects news from multiple sources (left, right, and center) can give you a more balanced sense of range of news.  Don’t share information (forward or repost) if you’re not sure about the validity of the claims.  Just because it’s a meme, doesn’t mean it’s true.  Apply critical reasoning, verify information, and be willing to consider the source of material before you invest in its accuracy.  Not sure about a claim? – Try one or more of the reputable fact-checking sites (like Snopes.com, Politifact.org, or Open Secrets.org). 

#6 Give Your Money, Time, or Talent

If you don’t have money, give your time. Consider volunteering for a group or organization that advances your political beliefs and views and puts your time to good use. It doesn’t have to be a substantial amount of time – every little bit helps. Maybe you have a special talent (like graphic design, writing skill, photography, or crafting) – think creatively about how your skill set might be put to use by organizations or groups in need. In-kind benefits are also important – clothes to clothing shelters, sheets to the SPCA – repurpose and reuse for items you no longer need.

If you don’t have time, give money. Even its just a one-time, or small donation – every little bit counts.  Along those lines…

#7 Think Locally and Think Small

Some people are discouraged by the overwhelming and daunting nature of many social problems.  You don’t need to solve world hunger: but may you can help in a small, tangible way closer to home.  Look for engagement opportunities that are close by through school, a church, or community.  You will make new friends and build your social network while doing good for others…and your effort frees up resources for other agenda priorities. Again, even the smallest contributions can have a big impact.

#8 Find Role Models and Resources

If you have the motivation but just don’t know where to start, try identifying role models or resources. Talk to a faculty member, visit career services, join the student association or a student association or club.  Through these small steps we can connect with others who inspire us and help to show us the pathway to our goals.

#9 Dream Big but Have an Action Plan

Don’t discount your dream to be president, a Senator, or Supreme Court Justice…aim high. But you have to more than a dream. Figure out what steps will move you to that goal. The same is true with a political objective or policy goal – think about the outcome you’d like to see, and break the task of getting there into smaller steps. Then take concrete action on those first steps.

Want to get involved? Contact the president of the History & Politics Club, AAUW Club,
or Pre Law Student Association (PLSA)

#10 Encourage and Educate Others

When you see someone trying to make a difference, give them encouragement and praise. Is there an activist or group you really admire?  Like them, repost them, tell them directly. Consider it fuel for the change you want to see happen.