THERE ARE FOUR MAJOR ASPECTS TO ATTAINING INFLUENCE IN LOCAL POLITICS. 1. Identify the structure of the local government and the distribution of power within it Some local governments have strong executives (mayors or county executives) that render the legislature (city or county council) mostly powerless. Some local governments concentrate the power over the budget in the executive. Some local governments have a city administrator that handles how city agencies are operated. Many cities have had to give over the power of their school districts or prisons over to the state. It is important to have a precise picture of the nature of local government structure so that advocacy is aimed at the proper target. 2. Identify the existing organizations that have a large base in their communities. Local elected officials are usually very deliberate about how they spend their time. They want to engage people that can impact their ability to be re-elected. Wherever there are votes and money, expect elected officials to be there. In many cases, these organizations or individuals that have a strong base are not necessarily political organizations, but they are important containers for political conversation. This can come in the form of neighborhood associations, local charities, local sports activities, and local business associations. Spend a lot of time in these spaces because it will help in developing the credibility needed to move local policy. In most local political contexts there are organizations that are the civic arm of big business in that community. Identify that organization(s) because it is often the entity that is the force behind many of the policies that harm Black people. 3. Develop a base This is the hardest part of attaining power in local political contexts. Developing base should be done primarily through two primary activities: service to the community and working to develop your own track record of accomplishments that have material benefits to the community. In local political contexts, people want their basic needs met. Folks typically are not ideological in how they participate in politics. Actions speak louder than words. Be a consistent volunteer at community clean ups, or after school programs, or helping the elderly. Developing a consistent record of service will make people more willing to listen and support political advocacy. Also, accomplishing goals that impact the community are important credibility boosters. There are a lot of people that come to meetings or are on social media who talk a lot, but have very little to show for all of that talk. Being able to deliver concrete benefits to the community builds credibility necessary for cultivating a base. 4. Develop relationships with local media or folks with a platform Elected officials are very conscious of public relations. They are constantly monitoring how they are being talked about and whether it can be used against them during election time. Effective use of media is very powerful in putting pressure on elected officials to support your agenda. These are a few basic aspects of gaining local political influence that can have a big impact on the community. These four aspects of local politics will provide the local artillery necessary to effectively advocate for the kinds of policies on the local level that can have a more direct impact on the lives of Black people. Advocacy on national political issues is important, but is meaningless if it is not paired with strong participation in local politics. Local politics are where the things that directly effect your life are manifested. BLACK MEN BUILD
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