For decades politics has been broken. One reason lies in the misconceptions fed to us from cable news and online prognosticators and analysts. For example, they have touted the concept of presidential coattails – meaning down ballot candidates are dependent on bigger forces to drive the electorate, and thus progressive policies. While this can be true (President Obama’s reelection in 2008 being a good example), it’s rarely the reality. In truth state and local governments are the laboratory of democracy, innovative campaigning and effective, progressive and POPULAR policies. Ordinary citizens feel closer and more connected to their communities and therefore are affected more by local and state governments. Thus, a truly effective local leader has more of an opportunity to connect with their community and their constituents. So political pundits are wrong: local campaigns influence races higher up the ballot by bringing more people to the polls!
Conservatives learned years ago that local and state offices are laboratories for their preferred policies. There are no reasons progressives can’t do this too and watch as real, popular, progressive change cascades from the local to the federal. It’s the grassroots efforts at the local level that lay the foundation for significant, lasting societal change. Ballast Campaigns have seen far too many gifted, passionate, patriotic progressives forget this. We believe change starts at the bottom and works its way up. Progressive patriots should consider local offices as the starting point for enacting tangible, lasting and impactful change.
The Power of Local Office for Progressive Patriots
Local offices wield significant influence over the daily lives of everyone in your community. This was brought into stark contrast during the pandemic, especially school boards. We watched in horror as school boards were inundated with, then attempted to be taken over by Moms for Liberty and other right-wing groups. From city councils and school boards to mayors and county commissioners, we saw the importance of competent local governance. Decisions made in local offices resonate more with the average voter, impacting education, infrastructure, policing, housing, environmental policies and so much more. Progressives far too often cede these offices. That must end. These offices give patriotic progressives in any community a chance to be seen and understood.
Bringing Patriotic Progressive Values Home
The values most progressives hold – equality, justice, inclusivity, sustainability – can find fertile ground in local government. Running for local office allows progressive patriots to align these values with policy and win over new voters in supposedly difficult places to win. When progressive values are framed by patriots with a local view, possibilities start to open. From championing affordable housing initiatives to spearheading conservation and sustainability programs, local offices offer the canvas to paint a progressive future in any community.
Policy Impacts on Communities
Local elected officials are much more immediate and present in people’s lives than federal or even state officials. Their impact is felt more directly and more keenly to the everyday American voter. They respond much more quickly to community needs and interact far more directly with citizens. Familiarity breeds more patience and understanding and allows for progressive leaders to implement policies that meet both the needs of the community (a patriotic thing to do) and promotes progressive policies. Direct engagement with constituents leads to understanding and agreement.
Local Office as Potential Springboards
If you are a patriotically minded progressive and wish to enter a new stage of service to your community and country through elected office, local campaigns are a great way to learn the skills you will need. It’s exceedingly rare for anyone to jump into national office immediately. Especially if you aren’t a billionaire. Additionally, national political movements often stem from local grassroots activism. By occupying and competing for as many of these local offices as possible, progressive patriots can mobilize and inspire local action into sure-footed national movements.
Call to Action
The call for progressive patriots to run for local office is a chance to take back control of government, protect democracy and infuse government with compassion and forward-thinking policies supported by a wide and diverse coalition of patriotic Americans. That’s the change, the leadership, Americans want.
To all those impassioned patriots who yearn to serve their community and their country: consider local office as your avenue for continuing service. Change is most palpable within your community if you respect your community and are a part of it.
Ballast Campaign Consulting can help you do this. We can be your wingman, your ballast, as you brave the choppy seas of politics. Check out our website here or on LinkedIn here. Or contact Aaron Bratcher at aaron@ballastcampaigns.com.
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