From Concerned Citizen to Councilmember: A Journey of Growth and Determination

In a small city where community involvement is both valued and necessary, Lydia Fletcher decided to turn concern into action. “I had been attending city council meetings for about five years. I was concerned with some of the policies I was seeing on the current council and I wanted to step up and be a part of the solution,” reflects Fletcher.

The journey from concerned citizen to elected official is never easy, and for someone who identifies as introverted, the challenges can seem insurmountable. “I have always hated the concept of campaigning because I tend to be very introverted and the whole process is out of my comfort zone,” she shares. Despite this, the rigorous and immersive experience provided by the Campaign-in-a-Day (CIAD) program turned out to be transformative. “Initially, I did not enjoy Campaign-in-a-Day. However, the more I have gone through the program, the more I see the importance of what I am learning, and now I would absolutely recommend the program to others!”

One of the pivotal learning experiences came from understanding the effectiveness of various voter contact methods. “At one point in the program there is a brief discussion on different types of voter contacts and which ones are more effective. Between my training and some good advisors at home, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do a doorbelling campaign. I was the only candidate in my city to do so and I believe it played a role in getting my name and ideas out into the community.” This hands-on approach allowed the candidate to connect directly with voters, fostering a sense of community and trust that would prove crucial in the election.

Public speaking, another significant hurdle, was tackled with the support of the CIAD and Patriot Academy programs. “A key moment that stands out to me is the candidate forum shortly before the election. Public speaking has always been a challenge for me. After the debate was over, my dad told me that he could see how much Patriot Academy has improved my public speaking. I still have lots to learn, and I look forward to coming back and continuing to learn from all CIAD and Patriot Academy have to offer!” These programs not only helped improve my public speaking skills but also provided a supportive environment to practice and grow.

Building a strong support network was another essential element of the campaign. “Grassroots organizing is still an area that I need to continue growing in. However, I was able to build a team of advisers and prayer warriors that as a councilmember I can still turn to whenever I need them.” This team provided the emotional and strategic support necessary for Lydia to navigate the complexities of the campaign and the responsibilities of the new role.

The journey from a concerned citizen to an elected councilmember is a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, seeking continuous improvement, and relying on a supportive community. With the foundation laid by programs like Campaign-In-A-Day, this new councilmember is poised to bring positive change to her city, driven by a commitment to being part of the solution.