7 Shortcuts to Freedom: Local Conservative Activism

The government is changed by people who choose the individuals who represent them and hold them accountable once elected. It’s actually quite simple. I like to say that all politics is local. By that I mean, national change truly begins at the local level.

We see the powerful impact that conservative grassroots activists have as they act locally. We just spoke with Deanna Alexander, a mother of two in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, who first launched into local politics with a visit to her Neighborhood Watch. She then ran for a seat on her county board. Since winning, she has fought to bring transparency and expose the board’s liberal shenanigans, including illegal bargaining with unions behind closed doors. Read the rest of her story.

Are you tired of feeling powerless in the political arena? Your journey to take up the vital cause of freedom may be different from Deanna’s, but I encourage you to keep it local. Here are some practical ways you can act now in your community:

1. Find people in your area who share your concerns, take turns going to public meetings such as city council and school board; take notes, collaborate, and tell people in your community about what you are hearing.
2. Start a blog or contribute to a Wiki page (we recommend starting with Wikipedia.org, SunshineReview.org, Judgepedia.org, and Ballotpedia.org).
3. Connect online using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. We have some awesome guides to help.
4. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Make sure you use facts, address local issues, and keep ranting to a minimum. Do this on a regular basis.
5. Find candidates who reflect your beliefs. Donate your time, money and energy to their campaigns (but be sure to vet them properly). Join with others who are doing this by signing the New Leaders Pledge.
6. Join a local coalition of like-minded people. Ask us if we know of organizations across your state. You will need a support group, the bigger your pool of people the less work that falls on any one individual.
7. And finally, refine your efforts to limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets. This is not about Republicans, Democrats or any other party. This is about what’s best for Americans.