Like it or not advocating for policy change is a political endeavor; thus the very best time to get to know your local politicians is during election season. Advocates typically are doing the asking. (Can I count on your
"YES" vote on the
Home Birth Safety Act?) During election season, we have opportunity to give legislators something back.
Volunteer.
Running for office is a challenge. Local candidates often are very short of resources. This is the best time to get involved. Take time to give. Put your efforts where your heart is. Find a candidate who believes in your issues and help get that person into office.
I recently took to the web to contact the candidates running for the Illinois House of Representatives in my district. Within days of sending-off an email to
Dee Beaubien, she picked up her phone and called me. In my email, I informed her of my interest in the
Home Birth Safety Act.
I was pleased to learn that she already knew quite a bit about the bill. (Dee's late husband
Mark, served in the House of Representatives from 1996 - 2011. Although this is her first run for office, she has years of experience meeting constituents, listening to their concerns and thinking about solutions.)
I was even more pleased that prior to calling me. She prepared..... She read the bill!
Constituents of
Illinois' 52nd House District: Can I count on your
"YES" vote for Dee Beaubien,
Independent, for State Representative?