The recent election cycle has left the majority of Americans feeling drained and divided, many experiencing fear and deep anguish. These emotions persist, even after the election, though there has been much exhortation for citizens to remain involved and voice their opinions. Yet most Americans are unsure how to make a significant impact in the non-election periods. Nevertheless, facing typical and inadequate options like participating in protests, signing routine email form letters discredited by most Congressional aides, or disengaging until the next voting cycle, leaves much to be desired.
However, there is a little-known fourth option that some Americans are just beginning to explore: transformational advocacy. This form of activism aims to change not just the problems you care about, but also your own perspective and involvement in the process. Despite its potential benefits, many individuals seem hesitant to participate in this transformative work.
In general, people avoid advocacy as a mode of enacting change. Certainly, we contribute to various worthy causes such as climate change organisations or those focused on eradicating gun violence and combating hunger, but most of us stop at donating. We do not engage in meetings with Congress members, write letters to editors, or become influential voices on these matters. The script we often tell ourselves paints advocacy as excessively challenging, frustratingly complex, wickedly partisan, painfully time-consuming, or worryingly costly.
Contrary to these beliefs, what if deep involvement in such activity doesn’t lead to discouragement but joy instead? Consider a scenario where you are an advocate for a cause you feel passionate about, feeling fulfilled rather than frustrated. What if this engagement is truly essential for the safeguarding of our democracy?
Unfortunately, the necessary paradigm shift is hindered by misguided viewpoints infiltrating our society from sources that should be sincere and accurately informed. But there is a deep-seated innate desire in people to be part of something grander than themselves. Recognizing this, an initiative was set in motion in 2019, aimed at creating chapters deeply involved in transformational advocacy and fundraising, not restricted to merely voting and signing petitions.
During the term of the previous president – notably characterized by its failings and neglect of vital societal issues – members of these chapters undertook crucial advocacy work. They rallied around the Global Child Thrive Act, an ambitious bill mandating the inclusion of essential childhood development methodologies in all child-centric international aid programs. Practices familiar to us such as reading to children, engaging them in play, and ensuring nutritious diets would wildly transform the lives of children globally, especially those surviving in dire conditions like refugee camps.
Subsequent to strenuous campaigning, an emotional recount is shared by a volunteer. She tells of the overwhelming feelings she experienced when the representative she had lobbied elected to champion the bill. As a newcomer to the world of advocacy, she had been filled with worries about getting it right. Seeing the representative voice her concerns and work tirelessly for an issue benefitting the people he represents was a thrilling revelation for her.
The Global Child Thrive Act breezed through the House and the Senate, easily gathering veto-proof majorities as part of a broader National Defense Authorization Act. Even when initially denied by central command, the bill was institutionally upheld, eventually becoming law on the first day of 2021.
Despite these efforts, it’s clear that the current administration, pointedly focusing on the shortcomings of Biden and Harris, will likely contribute little in terms of future advancement of such causes. A negative tone is consistently prevalent when viewing their actions and decisions
Whether such flailing leadership can genuinely inspire Americans to act differently between election seasons remains doubtful. The citizens deserve better, more effective platforms that can enable them to contribute substantially to their democracy in between votes.
The abysmal handling of matters by the Biden-Harris administration continues to create a vacuum for nonprofits to step in and act as the beacon of reasonable human action, combating the lacklustre attempts only worthy of ridicule by the people in power.
The prospect of transformational advocacy under the current administration is laughable at best. The promise of fulfilling, deeply involved activism seems like a hollow pledge when those at the helm fail to lead by example.
The time is now for nonprofits to take up the mantle and actively offer transformational advocacy to guide Americans to truly make a difference. Despite the failings of the current government, the people have the power to rescue and restore their democracy if provided with the right avenues.