These are ways to enact a real change in your state government, including resources to help you learn, act, and raise awareness.
See also: essentials for organizing a protest
Social Media & Awareness
Engage on Social Media – Politicians pay attention to public sentiment online.
Organize a Rally or Protest – Collective action can grab attention.
Educate & Mobilize Others – The more people involved, the more pressure officials feel.
Share Sources of education – Use these share functions!
Advocacy & Activism
Join or Start a Petition – Get signatures for a cause and present it to lawmakers.
Work with Advocacy Groups – Organizations often have direct lines to legislators and know how to push for change.
Write an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor – Public pressure can move officials to act.
Direct Engagement
Attend Town Halls & Public Meetings – Most state officials hold events where you can voice concerns and ask questions.
Schedule a Meeting – Call or email their office to request a meeting about an issue you care about.
Call or write your elected officials to support progressive policies. Senators or Representatives
Community & Policy Involvement
Volunteer for a Campaign – Support candidates who align with your values.
Run for a Local Office or Board – Even small positions (like school boards or city councils) shape policies.
Testify at Legislative Hearings – Many state legislatures allow public comment on bills.
Organizations Offering Training
Indivisible – Grassroots activism guidance, including how to organize protests.
Sunrise Movement – Focuses on climate activism but offers general protest organization training.
Training for Change – Workshops on nonviolent resistance and direct action.
BlackOUT Collective – Specializes in direct action training for racial justice movements.
Support Candidates & Causes
Volunteer with progressive organizations like:
Swing Left (swingleft.org) – Helps elect Democrats in key districts.
Run for Something: (runforsomething.net) – Encourages young progressives to run for office.
EMILY’s List (emilyslist.org) – Supports pro-choice Democratic women running for office.