As the calendar year ends, minds quickly turn to losing weight, eating healthy, saving money, and spending more time with family. But just as 2016 caused us to rethink politics, it’s time to rethink this year’s New Year’s resolutions.
The voice of the American voters has never been louder, and with unified Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House for the first time in 15 years, there promises to be a lot happening in 2017. It’s time to step up and get involved.
Here are some political resolutions to consider adopting in 2017:
- Connect with your member of Congress: Members of Congress are responsible and accountable to their constituents. It’s important for the voter to stay up-to-date on congressional votes and issues. Sign up to get the most recent news and information from your member. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. (Remember, many members have a personal and an official account). Subscribe to your member’s email newsletters and set up a Google alert to stay up-to-date on all the news from your senators and representative.
- Get active on Twitter: Twitter is one of the most effective ways to get direct contact with your lawmaker. Sign up for a Twitter account and set a goal of tweeting at least three times a week about articles, opinions, or votes you want your network and your member to see. If you need help getting started, you can sign up for Heritage Action’s weekly Twitter newsletter.
- Write a letter to the editor: Get your name in print by writing a letter to the editor in response to an editorial or giving your unique perspective on an issue. Remember to keep it brief: It should be no longer than 250 words and focused on one particular issue. The best letters to the editor have a personal connection to the topic you are talking about. Keep the tone formal and polite. Make sure your statements can be backed up with solid evidence.
- Get involved locally: No one knows the needs of your community better than you. Use the new year to find out what’s happening in your political community. Attend a town hall, go to a neighborhood meeting, or join a local political group.
- Read a political book: Keeping up with the news is important. To understand the current news, keep things in perspective. Take time out of the 24-hour news cycle and read a historical book like “A Republic of Spin” by David Greenberg or a cultural commentary like “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance. Check out some of The Heritage Foundation’s staff recommendations on The Daily Signal.
- Join an activist program: Politics can be isolating, but it’s much better with a community of people. Join a local or national organization to amplify your voice and coordinate your efforts with other grassroots activists across the country. Heritage Action, the sister organization of The Heritage Foundation, has a community of over 17,500 activists that participate in weekly strategy calls. Get one-on-one training from activism coaches and the latest news from Washington, D.C. Consider joining the Heritage Action Sentinel Program today.
Voters delivered a mandate for change—real change this time—in November. This is the year for grassroots America to continue the momentum by leaning in, speaking up, and getting involved. Will you step up in 2017?