Effective Influence Starts with Getting Informed

In recent years, there has been historic progress for the LGBTQ+ community. And while we would love to rest and bask in those successes, recent legislative trends have shown threats still remain. From healthcare discrimination, erosion of parental rights, and limits on access to gender-affirming care, now is the time to get involved.

The Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee has crafted a series of articles to help its members learn and explore ways to access, engage, and influence elected and public officials. The goal is to learn how to leverage your voice to ensure the system works for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.

To start, let’s discuss getting involved.

 

Your Perspective, Your Voice, Your Power
Your voice and your story are incredible assets. Stressing the impact a certain course of legislative action may have on your life is critical to ensuring elected officials make decisions with context in mind. Politicians are focused on today’s fire, the most urgent priority - think “squeaky wheel.” It’s easier to ignore or under-represent silent or muffled constituents. It starts with calling and writing public officials, but your voice is harder to overlook in person.

Additional strategies for leveraging your voice:

• Attend town halls to engage respectfully.
• Request and prepare diligently for in-district meetings.
• Establish rapport through repeated, thoughtful outreach.

At the heart of these efforts is bringing real, human stories to bear on the issues. Personal stories can help humanize issues and make the topic more relatable for those in positions of power.

 

Rally Through Advocacy Campaigns
Let’s never forget the power of mobilizing mass advocacy campaigns. Few movements have been as effective in making lasting change as those that have come together to advocate for a cause.

Whether it's through social media campaigns, letter-writing initiatives, or peaceful protests, advocacy campaigns can amplify voices and put pressure on decision-makers to take action.

But before joining any campaign, thoroughly research the organization behind it and its advocacy methods. Some organizations may not align with your values or use tactics you are uncomfortable with.

It's important to align yourself with groups that share your values and approach issues respectfully and ethically- because how a movement is carried out can greatly affect its success and impact.

 

Get Involved Politically
Don’t be afraid to get politically involved - even in Municipal, County, or State campaigns. Today’s city councilwoman may be tomorrow’s mayor. Your voice matters and can make a difference in shaping policies and decisions that impact your community and the world.

As you get involved, remember that the loudest voices aren’t always the most informed or representative. Seek out diverse perspectives and strive to understand all sides of an issue before forming your opinions. When we show empathy and understanding towards others, we can have more productive conversations and create real progress.

 

Remember: Our Strongest Tool is Coordination
Securing equal rights and protections requires coordinating efforts – building insider relationships while mobilizing outside pressure.

Together, our community can sway elected officials at all levels of government to advance the reform we seek. Raise your voice through outreach, activism, and at the ballot box. Influence starts with getting informed, connecting sincerely, rallying collectively, and shaping representation.

Want to find more ways to contribute? The Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee is a great place to start. The committee discusses issues and the Chamber’s strategy to address political happenings.

Reach out to info@midamericalgbt.org if you are interested in getting involved.