I've been involved in politics for about 10 years now. It seems like just yesterday I got angry at Bush for talking about invading Iraq and decided I had to do something besides vote - simply because just voting didn't seem to change anything.
When I got involved, I swear, there were about 4 active Democrats in my county.
When I somehow found the local Democratic party, I realized, these people are serious, and there's more to it than just going to the polls on Election Day. I had noticed a small blurb in the paper that they (the local Democratic Party) were having lunch at a local eatery on Wednesdays. I had already marched in an anti-war gathering at our park, where there were about 60 people of all ages and types, from buttoned up businesspeople to face-painted, drum banging hippies. Some people took it upon themselves to be the crossing guards at the side streets, making sure we only crossed on the walk signal, and didn't impede traffic.
The drum-banging, 20-something year old hippies, of course, got the front page picture, and the accompanying article was maddeningly biased, sounding like we were all fringe-ers and freaks. Huh. I saw some older, 60's era hippies too, but we were wiser and more low-key, these days.
My husband listened to me rant and rave over the knowledge that no matter what the evidence, or lack thereof, it looked like we'd be spending blood and treasure on a war that had nothing to do with 9/11, and said to me, "What can you do about it, anyway? Nothing". I said to him, "Oh yeah!? If not me, who? If not now, when?" That's been my rallying cry, ever since. If not me, who???? If not NOW, when????!!!!
I now volunteer, and work very hard, mostly for one candidate, our county assessor. He just got endorsed by our local paper, along with our Democratic sheriff candidate, our lone woman and Democrat commissioner, and the marijuana initiative that asks, do you want the unincorporated areas of the county to be prohibited from opening medical marijuana dispensaries? We vote, NO. Let the FREE Market decide. Isn't that what the Republicans love? Only when they agree with the product. Our autocratic, abusive sheriff would hate to see more marijuana dispensaries, even if it means less crime. Or maybe, because of less crime? He then can't justify his $250,000.00 armored vehicle which has no use (and has never been used) in our rural, well-armed county! I also volunteer to get these and the state and national progressives elected, by walking neighborhoods and making phone calls.
It can be a very scary thing, calling people you don't know out of the blue and talking to them. Trust me, the more phone calls you make, the easier it gets. Remember, you're usually talking to people who feel the same way you do! The more doors you knock on, the better you get to know the people you are trying to persuade. I've been active in the elections and campaigns since 2000, and believe me, it's not that easy, and to be a true volunteer for this type of work requires an epiphany of some sort. Usually, it's because you've just had enough of the right wing-nuttery all around you!
Here's what else you can do, if you can't make phone calls or walk a neighborhood for your local or state candidate: you can help feed the volunteers. You can give money, even $10 or $15 to your local party makes a huge difference. You can volunteer to be a poll watcher or election judge for your county clerk. If you're a registered Democrat, you can become a precinct captain, like I am. I have gotten to know most of my precinct, and I've spent the last few weeks calling them, a few at a time, when I get a chance, to make sure they are voting, and let them know who I am. Contact your local party, even if you're unaffiliated, there's lots of work and I guarantee you, it'll make you feel better on November 3, that you did SOMETHING to help our progressive candidates win. Get to know your neighbors, and talk to them about what's at stake, and why you're a progressive. Whatever you can do, it's not a wasted effort, I assure you.
Join us, if you haven't already! To those who work, many who work harder than me, thanks! So, repeat after me.... "If not me, WHO? If not now, WHEN?" It's your mantra. Now get out there! Do something!