I don’t think anyone would dispute that the political landscape is changing rapidly in the UK, the United States, and worldwide. Unfortunately, while there may be some supporters of what’s happening, more people are deeply alarmed and concerned. One of the reasons unwanted changes play out, despite the opposition, is that we often, as individuals and citizens, don’t know what to do.
Frustration doesn’t create change – action does
All around me, I am hearing the frustration of many people who are watching their governments head in directions that result in creating pain or taking away people’s rights. I read about this on social media, listen to the news, and hear it from family and friends. It’s natural to feel frustration, and it’s natural to hope that someone or somebody will come along and make the changes we want to see. The problem is twofold: frustration doesn’t create change – action does; and when people are dissatisfied but not taking action, they just become more frustrated.
Creating momentum
I can’t begin to express the importance of taking action when you want a different outcome. When our energy points in directions we want to go, and we are actively pushing that energy towards our desired result through action, it creates a momentum that is difficult to ignore. The more disciplined, confident, and well-intentioned the action is, the more effective the momentum that is created, and the bigger it grows.
A history of successful citizen action
I’m sure there are many instances you could point to which show how raising your voice creates positive change; in your local community, for example. History shows that on a global level, citizens who have organised themselves and communicated their intent and dissatisfaction with the current reality can change the narrative and create different outcomes. The civil rights movement, the suffragettes, and the fall of the Berlin Wall are some examples of individual voices being counted and listened to.
So if we can create the change we want to see, how do we do it? It might seem challenging, and cutting through the noise can be daunting, but it can be done. Here are some practical ideas to move from outrage to action.
1. Get clear on what you want and why
Okay, so this might not seem like action, but believe me, it helps to focus on the action you are about to take – and it should be the first action you take. Without clarity, we can get stuck complaining about what’s going wrong.
- Write down what concerns you. Is it the erosion of democracy? Could it be the inequality around wealth distribution? Are you concerned about the accessibility of health care?
- Turn your concerns into actions. For example, I want to live in a thriving democracy. I want people to be proportionately rewarded for the work they do. I want health care to be not-for-profit and available to everyone.
- Gather facts, evidence, and reliable sources to support your stance. Truth withstands scrutiny. Don’t just go for the headline; dig further and find out the facts.
The upshot of going through this process takes you from making statements like “The government is eroding our democracy”, to “These (10 actions) are eroding our democracy, and I want to live in a thriving democracy”. In this way, you begin to create momentum for what you want.
2. Find and speak to decision makers
- Get in touch with your local representative. Your MP, senator, or whoever represents you in a local capacity. The person who influences the issues you are concerned with. They are there to represent you.
- Believe your voice is important, and persist. Use telephone and email, reach out on social media, and attend meetings. Please don’t do it once; persist. Get your message across loud and clear.
- Find like-minded people and organisations, and join up. Whether online or in person, find people who are concerned like you. Maybe create a local or online group. There is power in numbers, and it can build momentum.
When a representative receives the message through clear and focused emails, letters, or meetings, it can be even more powerful than social media noise.
3. Get involved throughout the political process
- Casting your vote is vital at every level. However, don’t leave it there; consider campaigning, joining existing groups, or creating one. Be curious about what is happening in your area, and find ways to influence them.
- Find political candidates or representatives who are rooting for your cause. Support and amplify them where possible.
- Monitor progress and political truths. Don’t believe the headlines, and challenge those who do with facts and truth. Be up to date about progress regarding issues that are important to you.
One of the biggest reasons harmful political choices are allowed to happen is that many people aren’t fully engaged in up-to-date and truthful politics. They may see a mainstream media headline and believe what they want about it.
4. Follow and support the media channel(s) right for you
- Choose media that align with your goals/values. Find publications that you trust to report the news as accurately as possible. Find those who report on what’s important to you, whether it’s data, deep dives, or even giving alternative perspectives.
- Make sure you’re not in an echo chamber. It’s great to mix with like-minded people, and it’s instrumental in helping build belief in your voice. However, real understanding comes from listening to all views. So check out publications that might not share your values and use them to draw out the whole picture.
- Take control of your own news feed. Create your own media stream instead of relying on social media algorithms. Subscribe directly to trusted news sites or newsletters and set aside time for intentional reading rather than passive scrolling.
5. Further ideas for involvement
I have set out some fundamentals. You may already be taking these actions. If so, well done; you are already making a difference. Here are some further ideas that might help:
- Join or start advocacy groups. Strength in numbers matters, and helps grow momentum.
- Organise protests and demonstrations. Visibility creates pressure; always stay within your local laws and show passion, but not your anger.
- Use media in various ways. Write articles, op-eds, and letters that help others, and advocate for your desired outcomes.
- Boycott and divest. Don’t get involved with corporations that fund harmful policies or that don’t align with your values. Instead, shift to those that do.
- Run for local office. This is a big one, but you never know; You might have what it takes.
- Educate and mobilise others. Spread awareness and inspire action. Do this respectfully, understanding that others may not have the knowledge or intent that you do.
- Petition for policy changes. You can set up or subscribe to petitions that outline your desired changes.
Final thoughts: from concern to action
Governments are only as powerful as the people they are serving. When you feel frustrated with what’s happening, it’s perfectly normal to rail against it. However, you will feel much better if you start taking small actions that will lead to the desired outcomes. What will you do today?
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