This is a question we hear pretty frequently. It may be that if we were not directly involved with movements and political work we struggle to understand what we as individuals can do. The movements that brought us civil rights, reproductive freedom, job security through union organizing; that brought us marriage equality and the right to be treated for HIV-AIDS, were not I movements, they were WE movements. Individuals came together to build power, to build resiliency, to build movements and push back on the harmful status quo of the time. Without a mass of people coming together, those advancements would not have been made and yet, here we are again. We must build people powered movements to win back our freedoms for ourselves and for the future. As the beloved organizer Heather Booth says, “when we organize, we win.” How do we do that?
- We aren’t shy in suggesting that you join an Indivisible group and if you do not have one near you, start one. Contact us at [email protected] for more information on how you can do that. Indivisible groups can be small or large. It’s a great way to make friends and learn more about issues, elections, and about civic engagement in general. Maybe your passion is the freedom to read and learn, or to make sure all are welcome in our country, or to be sure that having a miscarriage isn’t a crime. Groups come together to decide their priorities and we work together all around our state to build collective power.
- Register your friends and neighbors to vote. While voting isn’t the only thing you can do, it is extremely important. If it were not, then why do those in power want to restrict our rights to exercise our voices? We can send you artwork for cards to hand out to register people to vote before the November special election for Public Service Commissioner. (Please note that Mr. Blackman was disqualified from running this election in the upcoming primary). If you are not registered to vote now, you are not eligible to vote in the primary that is on Tuesday, June 17th. You can find your voting location by visiting https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/
No matter where you are on the political spectrum, no one wants higher electric bills. Talk with people you know, people you meet along the way about registering to vote, checking their voter registration status, and about the primary on June 17th and the election on November 4th. To learn more about the Public Service Commission visit https://www.psc.gcvoters.org/#! - Download 5 Calls from your app store. Both Apple and Android have versions available. You plug in your address and you set your congresspeople for calling. You can also use their website and learn how to make those calls. https://5calls.org/ Your elected officials deserve to hear from you!
- Sign up for www.branch.vote for information on upcoming elections and to learn more about candidates. The website was started by a person who when it came time to vote realized he didn’t know anything about the candidates! We are conscientious voters and want to be sure we are voting for the best person. We are sad to hear people say, “I didn’t vote in that election because I didn’t want to make a mistake.” Another good voting guide is https://thegeorgiavoterguide.com/ Share this information with your friends and family. Follow your candidate and go to their meet and greets. Local parties frequently hold panel discussions with the candidates so you can learn more about them.
- Volunteer – We hope you’ll sign up with us to learn more about the events happening in Metro Atlanta and around the state and how we can work together to defend our democracy and build the country we want and deserve.
