Five ways you can get involved in your state legislature

In Denver, Colorado, state legislators are back at the capitol for what is almost certain to be 120 days of negotiating, posturing, and certainly some gridlock. 32 U.S. states are controlled completely by Republican legislatures, and 13 are controlled by Democrats. Colorado is one of the few remaining split houses in America. This poses many challenges, not only for legislators, but also for the thousands of citizen lobbyists that climb the steps to the state capitol to make their voices heard. Citizen participation in the legislative process is a hallmark of our republic, and believe it or not, you can really make difference.

There are many roles in our political process. Not every person is a party insider or can write big checks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t influence the political process. You don’t need deep pockets or smoke-filled backroom deals to be influential. Regular people who are passionate about one or two issues they want the legislature to address can make an impact. The opportunity cost to lobbying is often high – we could be working, spending time with our kids, or completing projects around the home. Fortunately, there are thousands of patriots like you who sacrifice their valuable time and resources in order to hold our government accountable.

So what can you do? You are one person with one voice and limited access. The work is not always convenient, but persistence and sound strategy will make you a leader, even if you’re not elected. Here are some tips to get you started.

Pay attention to the calendar and make a plan.

First, it’s worth recognizing you can’t do it all. You’ll have to budget both your time and your focus to dial in on the issues most consequential and important to you. You should also consider focusing on the more feasible political goals. It’s worth considering long-shots, but your time is valuable and you should focus on the possible. Committee hearings and bill readings are scheduled out in advance – varying depending on the legislature. Know your calendar! Most every state has an online calendar and the ability to search for bill details and a record of votes. These tools are valuable. Make a plan for how you are going to pursue certain bills and politicians. By being prepared and organized, you create authority around your issue while also holding accountable your elected officials at every step of the process.

Participate in committee hearings.

Committees are really where bills live and die. Often, by the time a bill hits the final vote on the floor, it’s too late. Depending on which party has the majority, committees have the power to kill bills upon arrival or send them on for consideration. The beauty of these often long hearings is that, in most cases, anyone who wants to make public comment for or against a bill gets a chance to do so. Being prepared on your topic and having a strong appeal can influence your legislators. If nothing else, doing a good job can produce political capital on the issue. Meaning, the next time the issue is brought up for consideration, others will look to you for guidance.

Another tip: catch a legislator before or after the hearing to speak one-on-one. This “transition” time can be an excellent opportunity to explain something more in-depth and get a better sense of what the legislator is thinking. Don’t be afraid to approach them and have a polite conversation!

Bring the pain! (If necessary).

The game of politics is centered around competing for power. We’d love it if the goal of governing was to protect limited, constitutional government, but you must be able to play the right game in order to do that. In some cases, a legislator will misbehave – a bad vote, a deaf ear, or a broken promise. When this happens, some activists and operatives will turn the other cheek or give the legislator a free pass. It’s easier that way – don’t rock the boat! Right?

Wrong. Legislators are there to serve YOU – not the other way around. Building political good-will is necessary, but sometimes you have to pick the right battle and fight it – even against your own party. Don’t be afraid to call a legislator, confront them in person, and organize others to do the same. As a citizen, you can rally others behind you by being a fearless leader. Learn the skills to get it done with AM Online courses. Pursue your goals with confidence!

Use the internet.

This is the most nuanced and contemporary strategy. Effectively using social media can make your single voice sound like a thousand. We have seen how social media activism has influenced our elections in numerous ways. By posting photos, explaining bills, and even reaching out to members of the media, you can control the narrative and have influence over your audience. Not everyone has the time to read bills for themselves or go to the capitol – but everyone is on Facebook scrolling their news feed! We can’t rely on social media for everything, but it is an effective messaging and information tool that you should wield. Check out our online courses for actionable tips to get the most out of your social media.

Get out there

Now is the time to get to work. While there’s so much focus on what’s happening in Washington D.C., now is a great time to go to the state capitol and win battles important to your community! If you’re in Colorado and would like to train a group of activists or potential legislators, please contact me, follow American Majority Colorado’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and learn more about how to get involved. It’s time to do our duty as Americans to meaningfully engage in the political fray.