How can we work for change at the local level?

Fortunately, there are groups working for social change at all levels of government. Their successes reinforce one another. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: Important political issues are always being decided by school boards.

• Attend these meetings to find out what decisions are being made that affect them.
• Request time to speak at school board meetings to bring your own concerns to the Board.
• Lobby one or more members to get them on your side of an issue.

LOCAL CITY, TOWN OR VILLAGE COUNCILS: They meet regularly to set laws and policies for your community.

• Attend the meetings to find out what the important issues are.
• Request time to speak in the “public speaking” part of the meeting.
• Lobby members of your council with issues you want them to bring up that concern you.

LOCAL/COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS OR ON-LINE NEWSLETTERS: People read these to catch up on local news. They are often more popular than national news.

• Write letters to the editor of these news sources stating your opinions. Be sure to include that you are a student – they’ll want to hear from you.
• Write a longer opinion article and get it pubished by a local outlet. Again, state that you are a young person with concerns!