SALT LAKE CITY – There are four months between Utah’s primary election and the general election in November. For some, November might seem too long to wait for another chance to be politically engaged.
Utah Junction spoke to several local organizations to get their insight on how Utahns can stay active while waiting for the next election.
Start with one issue
KellyAnne Ward is the co-founder of Green Wave Utah, an advocacy group that supports reproductive and transgender rights. She suggested picking one issue to focus on at first.
“Community engagement doesn’t have to start with a huge commitment,” Ward told Utah Junction. “Often, it begins with taking one small step toward an issue you care about and building connections from there.”
In fact, Alison Griffith, the director of community engagement for the ACLU of Utah, says connection is vital to civic participation.
“Show up at events, show up for online conversations. Engage in those conversations,” Griffith told Utah Junction.
And once those connections have been established, Griffith said to start using your voice.
“Start sharing your thoughts as well on the issues you care about. [It] will build the connection to help you stay involved and find new ways to connect in the community, which then increases your civic participation,” Griffith said.
What happens after you’ve found community?
Griffith encouraged listening and educating yourself on other issues impacting the people in your community.
“We have found that power in numbers really has an impact in the way policies are created and laws are passed. So, working as a group, versus as an individual, is really effective,” Griffith said.
Beyond engaging with community members, Griffith recommends showing up to local government meetings, like city council and school board meetings.
“So that you can be involved in what the discussions are that your elected officials are having, and holding them accountable to the commitments they’ve made and the goals that they’ve voiced.”
And for people who aren’t comfortable or aren’t able to show up for a meeting in person, Griffith recommended taking part in petitions or writing emails to your elected officials and sharing your personal experiences as a constituent.
Many local organizations, like Green Wave Utah, also offer other options for community involvement.
“We’ve organized fundraisers, clothing drives, and food drives for local shelters, and we regularly support other organizations when they need volunteers,” Ward said.
Taking care of yourself
Being politically active can be hard at times, Ward said, especially for people who are fighting for their own rights.
Ward advised taking time to rest and to have fun.
“We are big advocates for taking time to rest, play, spending time with people who love you and whom you love, and engaging in things that are generative,” Ward said.
Griffith echoed the sentiment, saying, “Finding joy in the small things and celebrations in the midst of a continued struggle…I think is really key.”
And, Griffith says it’s okay to take a step back when you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed.
“Your community will still be there to support you,” she said.
