A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Involved in Political Activism

It's a lot easier than you think.
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Whether we feel as if we're drowning in bad news and don't know where to start, or we worry we don't have the time it takes to participate, it's too often just easier to complain about a policy or a politician than to do anything about it. That's why this weekend's Women's Marches were so exciting—millions of people gathered to show solidarity and support for one another—and so worrying in the absence of a defined plan. We've all got opinions when it comes to politics, but getting involved in a meaningful way is another story.

It doesn't have to be—it shouldn't be—difficult. "A strong democracy requires our participation, not just our votes," says Jennifer Epps-Addison, network president and co–executive director for The Center for Popular Democracy.

Ready to do more? You're in the right place. Here, we've got a totally attainable guide to getting involved in politics, complete with moves you can make that won't take over your whole life but will guarantee you make a difference.

1. Use social media to spread the word. Is there anything easier than sending out 140-characters in support of something? So use Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to "get out the vote, spread the word about an important cause, or show support in numbers by using a popular hashtag," says Eva-Marie Quinones, director of Election@Bard. It's a small move, sure, but it's one that could pay inbig dividends. For example, when you post a selfie with your "I voted" sticker, you could encourage a friend to do the same. Or, "if you know an organization that does important work is trying to raise money, share the link," says Quinones. "Sharing the fundraising efforts of small organizations…is especially important because they typically have a more limited reach."

2. Do your research. It's time to hit the books—or at least your phone. "Get to know who your leaders are and the power they possess as well as how well how they represent you in their roles," advises political consultant Jasmine Burney-Clark. Subscribe to newspapers and newsletters with serious political coverage—think: The Washington Post, Politico, and theSkimm—and make a pact to spend a few minutes each day reading up on what's going on. Make reading even easier by downloading your favorite news outlet's app and personalizing the push notifications to be sent to your phone, Burney-Clark says.

3. Join a community organization. "There are tens of thousands of organizations across the country that advocate for everything from animal rights to clean water to better schools," says Epps-Addison. She's not exaggerating. And all it takes is a simple Google search to uncover the dozens of organizations online through which you can get training and get involved. "In return the organization gets a new member that will help build its collective power," she says. "Believe me when I say there is an organization desperately waiting for you to bless them with your passion and talents."

4. Volunteer your skills. Let's say there's a local candidate whose message you really believe in. You may not be able to hang at her headquarters at all hours of the day and night, but you can offer up some of your time and skills. "I can tell you campaigns are always looking for smart and driven volunteers who are willing to participate in campaign activities," says Sheena Tahilramani, who is running for a city council seat in Pasadena, California. If you're a real people person, consider signing on for phone banking and canvassing duties. Or lend your more specific skills to local campaigns, which might be looking for writers, designers, and even event planners. Not only will you help a candidate you like, but "there's no better way to learn the nuts and bolts of a political campaign [than volunteering]," says Tahilramani.

5. Make politics a family affair. Generally we'd advise you against bringing up politics with family and friends. But by creating a culture in which talking politics is a big no-no, we lose out on a big opportunity to learn, grow, and even get involved. "Talk about the world with your family and friends and especially your children," Epps-Addison encourages. For example, when her daughter expressed concerns over budget cuts at her school, Epps-Addison was able to leap to action, "and helped her prepare her testimony at the school board," she says.

6. Vote, and vote often. As a country, we have a pretty terrible turnout rate—and not just when it comes to our presidential elections. "Far too many people vote only once every four years, when there are local and state elections happening every year that are equally as important," says Quinones. "There are a smaller number of voters in these elections and outcomes are often closer, which means that your individual vote matters more." So make a commitment to show up at the polls for every issue, not just the big ones. You can see a schedule of voting and election dates on your County Board of Elections webpage.

For reflections on the Women's March and how we can all be better activists going forward, check out the "Marching For Yourself" episode of Glamour's podcast, Work Wives: