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.
