It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of national politics. Easy to vote once every four years and think that you have done your part to participate in our sacred and unique American democratic experiment. It is easy to watch the news and think that you’ve done all you can. It’s comforting, in a “it’s out of my hands” sort of way to leave it all up to Washington now.
But I would argue that our votes in federal elections are the least we can do. Whether you’re elated or anxious as we enter 2025, your elected leaders serving in far away cities are just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want to see things change, get involved locally. Volunteer or donate to a local charity or nonprofit whose mission you support. Show up at city council or school board meetings. Heck, run for city council or school board! (Shoutout to my momma who did just that!) Get involved, share your thoughts on everything from the books in the library to the state of plowed streets in your neighborhood.
It might seem like big changes start at the top and trickle down to everyday folks, but the most impactful changes actually do the opposite. Be the shift at the bottom that shakes the whole system. That’s where we actually see change happen. That’s where we prove that we are in this together.
I’m Lynnea Erickson and that’s my perspective.
