A post shared by Elephant Journal (@elephantjournal) on Jan 22, 2017 at 9:42am PST

Who else is tired of politics in America?

We’ve marched in cities around the globe and shared our views. But were we heard? Was it all to no avail?

Lately, I am overcome with doubt.

The news seems to remain the same. We have called senators by the masses to bend and change their minds over various issues. They haven’t. Regardless of the size of the resistance, it can sometimes feel like an endless, fruitless protest. I knew I needed a break when I heard myself ask, “Does my part in this even matter? Why am I wasting my time?”

During moments like these for me, it is time to:

sit down,

breathe,

breathe even deeper,

and refresh.

We, The People are not quitters.

Renewing breath, reviewing new knowledge, and reevaluating our approach will help me rise up to try again. So, doing what I do best, I researched—a lot. I wanted practical information on one page to help with the overwhelm. So far, this is what I have found:

10 Mindful Actions to help us Move Forward, again:

1. When on social media, always repost valuable information—don’t just share. Sharing gets only around one fifth of the views compared to a post. Post is the magic word for social media.

2. Support candidates who actually engage in reasoned, bipartisan discussions. Watch for who votes against their party at times and why. A post swirling around Facebook directs us toward the women for this.

3. Get ready for the races in 2018. Research on this interactive map and start supporting your candidate now.

4. Supporting a cause means contributing to the cause. Your candidates need money. As much as we hope our posters and phone calls help, they won’t pay the bills. For example, a lightly contested senate race could cost $15 million, and a contested race around $50 million. This year some senate seats spent close to $100 million dollars. No contribution is too small.

Echoing similar advice this month is Barney Frank, a Democrat, who represented Massachusetts in the House of Representatives from 1981 to 2013 and was chairman of the House Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011. He adds,

5. Double check that you are registered to vote and where.

6.  Focus on the lawmakers in your own state. Others are immune to your pressure.

7.  Communication must be individual. It can be an email, physical letter, a phone call, or an office visit. Simple opinions communicated in a succinct manner are better than essays. Mass petitions mean little. It is easy to sign, but it takes time to reach out personally.

8. Remember, representatives would like to avoid conflicts. Even if they are known to vote in opposition to your opinion, speak up and look for groups who support the candidate on your side. Keeping a close eye on their voting action as a group could make or break a financial source for them.

9. Thank your representatives. Send a note.

10. Especially thank the representative who voted for the greater good despite party lines.

When you’re ready for more detailed information, read the Indivisible Guide. 

This is a 23-page guide voluntarily written by congressional staffers that explains how to get the attention of congressional representatives. It provides tools for organizing by congressional district. The guide analyzes the Tea Party’s successes against Barack Obama and details how to use those lessons against Donald Trump.

Try another 10 steps: “Michael Moore’s 10 Steps for Action.”

And lastly, when you are up for active events near you, check out Michael Moore’s resistance calendar and jump back in.

Take care of yourself, then take care of our country.

Find your place, and do your thing.

Have more information to add? Other opinions? Write them down and submit them to Elephant Journal.

But if you Just. Can’t. Take. Another. Step. Consider this, then try again:
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Relephant reminders:

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Author: Kate Fleming
Image: @elephantjournal on Instagram
Editor: Khara-Jade Warren