This week has been so inspiring. I went to a grassroots political activism group called Activate! and the guest speaker was William Perry of Georgia Ethics Watchdog. I learned a ton and wanted to put them together for others who want to get involved in local politics but perhaps wonder, “What’s the point?”

Things I learned this week about local-level politics:



To spark a state legislator’s interest in an issue, they need to hear from a grand total of … *drumroll* … two people . Yup, that’s it. State-level politics gets so little attention that the bar is set extremely low. If they hear from EIGHT people, it’s a “crisis”



. Yup, that’s it. State-level politics gets so little attention that the bar is set extremely low. If they hear from EIGHT people, it’s a “crisis” When it comes to state-level politics, this how the different methods of correspondence rank:



Handwritten letters Emails (?!) Phone calls

I was shocked to hear that phone calls were last! But it turns out that letters and emails are effective because they are quantifiable and the legislator can actually see it. Of course, phone calls are great because they are quick and you can get feedback immediately … but it was good to know that emails also work well (again, keep in mind this is state-level, not federal-level!)

Of course, William made it crystal clear that while hearing from constituents is important, these legislators are also subject to huge pressure from lobbyists. However, it’s the constituents that ensure that legislator’s job, so even if you don’t sway that legislator on an issue, do not be discouraged!



Phone calls should be concise. Don’t expect to debate anyone, just voice your support and opposition, your reason or experience, and then ask that legislator to take some action. You don’t have to come up with a solution. Sometimes, bringing up your personal experiences can give the legislator something to think about that had never occurred to them. This is so important especially as citizens of color and different religious backgrounds to inform our legislators of our experiences.

This is so important especially as citizens of color and different religious backgrounds to inform our legislators of our experiences. Call to express support too! Your legislators also need to know what they are doing right so that they will stand strong behind their decisions. In William’s experience, he describes that 1% of the local politicians are corrupt, 1% are principled and completely ethical, and then you have the 98% “go along, get along crowd” who will make decisions to further their career. That 98% is the people we need to keep in touch with and continue to push.

When expressing support, you can not only encourage them to keep fighting but also:

Urge them to fight for this in their caucuses



Talk to the moderate Republicans and try to convince them on these issues



Make a public statement



Talk to news media and journalists about these issues

It’s best to reach out to your district’s State Senator and State Rep but it can also be helpful to call outside the district. Even though you’re not a constituent, that state senator may one day try to run for governor so it’s worth having your voice be heard

If you are in Atlanta, check out Activate and join us on Feb 9!

I also went to the Legislative Kick-Off Event by the Georgia Democrat Party. It was my first time at a Party event and I had an amazing time. Everyone was so nice, I got to meet several state senators and state house reps and it was enlightening learning about current bills that they are working on in Georgia. Also, I so appreciated everyone being so helpful answering my “stupid questions” and being so welcoming.

I had never really gotten involved to this degree because I felt so futile in such a solidly red state. But at the kick-off meeting, I also learned a lot, particularly from State Senator Roger Bruce and State Rep David Dreyer.

Notes from the Georgia Democratic Party Meeting:

Douglas County’s elections in 2016 proves that flipping Georgia is possible. For the first time in decades, Democrats won all contested races, included top roles in law enforcement and governmental positions.



Some bills and legislation that are currently being discussed in both state chambers:

Juvenile Justice: apparently, some adult criminals have been recruiting minors to commit crimes knowing that the minors will not serve jail or prison time?! Had no idea that was such a big problem in the state. There is a bill that will sentence these adults with the jail/prison time the minor would have served



Voter Rights: There is also a bill that will automatically registered to vote when you go to the DMV and get your licensed renewed or changed. Democratic State Senators also want to set it up so that voters will be able to vote at any precinct in their district. These hurdles make voting difficult for citizens who end up moving often … which just so happens to be young and/or poor people who would vote for progressive measures



There are also bills to expand medical marijuana, end gerrymandering, and though Nathan Deal veto’d the Campus Carry bill, there was interest in attempting to introduce another similar bill

If Tom Price is confirmed into the Trump cabinet, Georgia’s 6th Congressional District will see its first “brand new” election in decades, meaning there is no incumbent. If this were to happen, the election would be held in late spring.

Also got to talk to a legislator on the education board and he said he has seen policies get created and destroyed just from seeing 20 parents show up at a school board meeting. Again, the bar is so low that all you have to do is show up and be reasonable. Being reasonable will lend you great credibility .. these poor people often have conspiracy nuts show up at these meetings

I have loved diving in, meeting other passionate people committed to changing things, and seeing how we can make a difference. It’s encouraging to also hear this type of feedback from people who have been deeply involved in local politics and have seen change happen before their eyes. I’ll keep collecting my notes and sharing them with the hopes that it will motivate people to do something.