Practical Tips For Getting Involved in Politics and Local Governments

We as American Muslims have the responsibility to be part of the main stream and get involved in the activities of local government. Our efforts for civic engagement should begin at a grassroots level. Young people, especially, have access to more opportunities through school activities. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Get involved in your children’s school activities:

» Become a PTA member.

» Attend school board meetings.

» Volunteer your time at playground. At lunch time. On trips.

» Befriend other parents and people in your neighborhood.

» Make yourself known to school authorities.

» Speak up on different issues involving students.

» Stand for school board election.

Start attending town hall meetings: They also happen to be a chance to speak directly to your local legislators and even members of Congress. These meetings are free of cost and held in a public space, typically beginning with a short speech from an elected official and then an open Q&A, where attendees can ask questions about a piece of legislation or a specific issue.

» You can google to find when town hall meetings are happening in your town.

» Call elected officials to invite them to speak on certain issues in your school or in your community center or Masjid.

» Invite your neighborhood people and school friends.

» Speak out and ask questions to be politically aware of the situations

Join a political party: We have only two political parties; Republican and Democratic. You have to choose one of the “lesser of two evils”. But getting involved in party affairs from a grassroots level is a tiny step toward building more choices for future platforms and candidates. Your effort will start from local governments and move on to state governments. Some may make it to the national stage as congressmen. There is the option to run independently or with a smaller third party as well, but they often have less success on the bigger stage.

Speak up about issues that matter: On all levels if you want change as Americans, if you seek a more inclusive society, if you strive to improve your country, then you should not be afraid to talk about politics. There are many Muslims around the world for whom speaking out comes at great cost. Those of us who enjoy the privilege of free speech should feel even more compelled to speak up. Be brave enough to voice your opinion and compassionate enough to realize yours is not the only one that matters. Remaining silent only ensures our separateness, when we know, deep down, that we are capable of finding common ground, therefore having an open and honest conversation is vital.

Run for office yourself: The number of women in U.S. politics remains disproportionately low, and it doesn’t have to be that way. The following organizations aim to support girls and women interesting in running for office through resources such as educational information, digital incubators, on-line communities, and leadership summits.

» She Should Run

» Emily’s List

» Ready to Run

» Running Start

Additionally, some states have their own initiatives and groups that support women who wish to run for office (like Iowa’s 50-50 in 2020).