Tips for Using Your Voice for Change
01 July 2023
Written by Public Spirit
Say it with us: no action is too small! Everything from simple daily steps to calling on local leaders for change is meaningful to our communities. That said, using our voice is something we can all participate in and often only takes a few minutes.
Which one of these will you do today?
Why register to vote? Using your voice is a powerful way to participate in positive changes for your community. By voting, you’re helping to accurately represent what your community wants to see, telling your representatives where you believe funding should go, and what your community’s needs really are.
When communities are empowered to use their vote, we can help shape the future of education, healthcare, and other long-term policies that impact us collectively. Voting shows we care and brings a sense of unity for the common good.
#2 CALL OR WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION:
It’s important to know where your local representatives stand on community issues like affordable housing, so send them a note or give them a call to start the conversation.
Affordable housing helps create safety and stability for those in need, a baseline we all deserve. It fosters inclusivity and economic diversity while also helping to bring a sense of vibrancy back to our communities. It’s not just putting a roof over someone’s head; it’s giving them social, economic, and health support.
Need some help with your script or email template? We’ve got you covered:
Subject: Support for Affordable Housing in [Your City/State]
Dear [Representative's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my strong support for affordable housing initiatives in our community. Affordable housing is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital component of a thriving and inclusive community.
I kindly urge you to consider supporting and advocating for affordable housing policies, funding allocations, and initiatives that address this pressing issue in our area. Your efforts in this regard would contribute significantly to the well-being and development of our community.
Thank you for your time and dedication to serving our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name + Contact Information]
#3 ADVOCATE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT:
Early childhood development helps give the kids in our communities access to social, emotional, and healthcare that is critical in their early years. Some may see it as a head start, but it’s really just giving them a fair and equal start to what is hopefully a holistically good life.
A well-known advocacy and research non-profit, Zero to Three, has made early childhood development their mission by giving parents, caregivers, and professionals the tools to support our kids.
Zero to Three specializes in several support areas that could use your help, too. They make getting involved easy with opportunities like signing online petitions and step-by-step forms to contact your local reps and tweet to Congress. Click here to get started today.
#4 CALL OR WRITE TO YOUR SCHOOL BOARD AND ASK HOW THEY ARE SUPPORTING LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS IN YOUR AREA:
Unfortunately, not all schools are equal. By contacting your local school board, you can understand what they’re doing to support low-income schools in the area and how that helps their students.
Calling attention to equitable education can help raise awareness and create better student outcomes. With access to in-school support, students can learn more about collaboration, inclusivity, and skills needed to set them up for higher education and job success.
Here’s an easy email template to get you started:
Subject: Inquiring About Equitable Education for Low-Income Students Dear [School Board Member's Name or School Board],
I'm [Your Name], a community member in [Your Community]. I'm interested in learning about initiatives supporting equitable education for low-income schools. Can you share programs, resources, and strategies addressing their unique challenges? Quality education for all students matters, and focused efforts for low-income schools are vital. I'd like information on:
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Programs providing extra resources.
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Strategies for academic and non-academic success.
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Collaborations with local organizations.
Collaboration can ensure every student thrives, regardless of their background. I value your dedication to our community's education and would appreciate updates on progress or engagement opportunities.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name + Contact Information]
#5 SIGN A PETITION TO MAKE COLLEGE WORK:
Higher education skills and policies are considered essentials in the workforce and prerequisites for higher-paying jobs. But college isn’t accessible to everyone. The National Skills Coalition (NSC) is working towards a national commitment to inclusive, high-quality skills training that makes creating a better life a little easier. To get involved, you can sign their petition for creating more equitable economic mobility and support for economic growth.
Remember, something as seemingly simple as signing an online petition can make just as much impact as a donation, a day of volunteering, you name it.
While these are just a few ways to start getting involved in your community, we’re always open to hearing from you about how you’re giving back and the types of resources you'd love to see more of. Write to us here.