Get upset about unjust norms and an unfair status quo, but also cultivate hope for a different future, as this combination is key to fighting for a better world.
Participate in political action as a form of self-help, as scientific evidence suggests that engaging in civic life can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
Make civic engagement a regular, joyful habit that is additive to your life, rather than a stressful, infrequent event, to sustain long-term involvement.
Talk to people you already know about voting and the issues you care about, as this method is eight times more effective than door-knocking due to existing trust.
Engage in civic life to build strong relationships and a connected civic fabric, which is healthy for democracy and provides personal support during difficult times.
Actively learn how many people actually share your beliefs on important issues, as accurate information can energize you and turn cynicism into action.
Start dialogue about issues you care about, even with a simple social media post, to connect with others who share your concerns and are willing to act.
Instead of just being frustrated, take a deeper dive into the underlying systemic issues that prevent accountability or solutions, to understand how to fix them.
If you don’t know how to tackle a big problem, research existing processes or methods (e.g., ballot initiative process) to identify a concrete pathway for action.
When tackling a large problem, identify and combine the unique life experiences and skills of individuals in your group, even if they lack direct political experience, to cover various campaign needs.
Encourage everyone to contribute based on their unique hobbies or skills, no matter how unconventional they seem, as these can lead to innovative and highly valuable solutions.
Find creative and unconventional ways to engage people in conversations about political issues, such as using costumes, themed events, or creative displays, to attract attention and start dialogue.
Recognize that many people need someone to embody hope and be unafraid of potential consequences to inspire them to act, and strive to be that person.
When presenting an issue, ensure there’s a clear, even if difficult, pathway for change, as Americans are generally willing to put in hard work if they see a tangible way to make a difference.
Understand that your actions can inspire others in different communities or on different issues to adopt similar approaches, demonstrating that change is possible and encouraging widespread civic engagement.