How to Advocate at the Local Level
Discover Who "They" Are
Who is YOUR council member, or are there a few that represent you? Don’t forget the Mayor, too! What issues is each council member talking about and engaged in publicly (read the news!)? Spend time on the local government website learning about what it does. You can get to know local elected officials who represent districts other than yours too—as an issue expert!
Ask For An Intro Meeting
Contact a council member’s office and ask to meet with them and/or their staff. Make some small talk! In bigger cities where council members have staff, they’re often very helpful to know. Tell them about yourself and your priorities, and ask about them and their priorities. Tell them you’d like to be a resource for them.
Continually Develop Your Relationship
Stay in touch on an ongoing basis. Help develop solutions when possible, rather than only contacting them when you oppose something. Consider volunteering on a city board or commission. Follow the news and meeting agendas, and keep an eye on what’s going on.
You Know The Issue Best
When you’re advocating for or against something, back up your argument with facts and data, as well as personal stories. Bring a one-pager (no more than one page!) to summarize your points, and leave it with them. Offer to link them to other resources you know about.
Say Thank You!
Public Service is hard, and it’s often thankless. Even if you find yourself on opposite sides of the issue this time, you might be on the same side next time (and you might see your local elected official in the grocery store or at your kid’s ballgame!) Keep an open line of communication for next time.