“Citizen Lobbying: Advocating to Your Local Government” was recently presented virtually by the Democracy Academy, as a project of the Voters Not Politicians Education Fund (Voters Ed Fund).

Voters Not Politicians is a voter-led prodemocracy political reform movement in Michigan.

“Learning how lobbying can be used is a force for change at the local level,” said Alyson Grigsby, education programs manager For Voters Not Politicians.

Grigsby added the presentation was being held to help citizens understand their power as citizens and advocates to their local government. She pointed out the right to lobby is protected by the First Amendment and a way to petition the government for a redress or to give money.

According to Grigsby, citizen lobbying can look like contacting not only elected officials, but city managers and department heads.

“This could involve calling, sending emails, writing letters, attending meetings or inviting officials to your coffee hour or group meeting. It could involve lobbying your officials via public comment. You might also consider writing a letter to the editor of a local publication to gather public support and help find allies. This also brings attention to officials.”

Participants in the virtual event were invited to look at real-life case studies of citizens using their power to lobby their government. The case studies helped show the variety of issues and interests citizens can lobby for.

“Even if your goals are unsuccessful initially-and I want to put out initially-for getting something passed, you get that internal satisfaction of being connected to the community in general on something you’re passionate about,” said Grigsby.”…Sometimes there will be roadblocks to trying to get something adopted related to funding or understanding how it should be particularly implemented. I don’t want you to take this as a loss….It’s OK because it shows the people and you that this is something people can do by engaging directly with the democratic process.”

This story was originally published by Flint Courier News. Read more here: https://theflintcouriernews.com/using-citizen-lobbying-as-a-force-for-change/

Voters Not Politicians Education Fund (Voters Ed Fund) is relaunching Democracy Academy for its second year of empowering local residents to promote voting and civic participation in their communities! The first 2024 Democracy Academy workshop will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. The topic will be “Your Community Your Government: Making the Case for Getting out the Vote in Local Elections.”

In 2023, Voters Ed Fund launched Democracy Academy, a series of in-person workshops to combat low voter turnout in municipal elections statewide and expand local civic engagement. These workshops were targeted towards those who are starting their civic activism journey and looking to help their communities become more civically active in their local governments.

In its second year, Democracy Academy will introduce additional modules so that voters can take their civic activism to the next level. Attendees will learn about how the current election system encourages low turnout and the consequences of low voter participation on local government. Participants will also be provided with tools and techniques on how to engage neighbors in the political process.

“Every election matters, and local elections especially have an outsized impact on most folks’ day-to-day lives,” said Alyson Grigsby, Voters Ed Fund Education Programs Manager.

Grigsby added: “Unfortunately, many voters aren’t aware of how consequential these local elections can be. And since many local elections in Michigan happen at irregular times, odd number years or outside of November, a majority of voters are missing out on this opportunity to make their voices heard. Making the Case for Local Elections is geared towards folks who are already civically engaged to connect with their friends, family, and community, and help them see the value and importance of these local elections.”

This story was originally published by Flint Courier News. Read more here: https://theflintcouriernews.com/democracy-academy-teaches-residents-how-to-boost-local-political-participation/