One Way to Move Your Community Work Forward? Vote.

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Author: Tonayo Crow

Why Voting Matters 

With election day just around the corner, there is no better time than now to make your voice heard. Whether you work for a coalition or community group, a school or a nonprofit, this is a key moment to speak up about the biggest issues in public health and in your community. It can be daunting to think about talking to your representative, or engaging candidates that are running for office, but it’s a vital part of advancing your coalition and community work. This election cycle, leverage the power of your vote to fight for the issues that are important, whether that be substance use prevention, environmental health, childhood asthma, or mental health. Now is the perfect time to pressure your representatives to fight for the issues that matter most.

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We know that this is always easier said than done. Luckily, there are numerous resources available to teach you tips and tricks for engaging local officials. Check out this webinar to learn more, or click here for some written information on how best to advocate for your work. Just remember, your officials are there to represent your needs, so no matter what part of the political spectrum you fall on, November 5th is your day to be heard.

Still unsure? Check out these resources for more information on advocating for your causes with elected officials:advoacy

  • This database has the contact information of local, state, and federal elected officials.
  • Read this guide to talking to local officials for more tips on best practices for articulating your core arguments.
  • Check out this Community Toolkit specifically designed to help you advocate for change.
  • This is another straightforward article on how best to communicate with your elected officials, from requesting a meeting to how to follow up afterwards.
  • This page contains a list of key priorities on Beacon Hill for this year.

Want even more? Register for our brand new training on Preparing your Community for Policy Change: What to Expect at Municipal Meetings! Click here to learn more and register! Thanks to generous funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, all of our trainings are free and open to everyone!

 And check out our recorded webinar on “Engaging Local Officials in Your Work: Tips, Tools, and Talking Points,” a CHTI offering from last year!

 Engaging Elected OfficialsEngaging Local Officials in Your Work: Tips, Tools, and Talking Points