HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS

Why get involved in politics, some may ask? 

Politics is a dirty game no doubt, but that is only because most people with genuine altruistic intentions are often too afraid to get involved lest they themselves be hurt, tarnished, or worse.

Politics of violence, non-tolerance, character assassination, money-mongering is now the order of the day. Nigeria is in such abject shambles today mainly because unprincipled actors are playing the stage. Absolute mediocres are having a field day playing kings and queens! Votes-for-cash has somehow been accepted as a norm.

To advocate any crusade against corruption is to invoke the wrath of the powers that be. We remain a nation devoid of conscience or any sense of duty. One can continue to lament over all these mishaps, or one can do something about it. And that is why me, you, and indeed every one of us should be actively involved in the political process.

1.	Join a group working on issues that are important to you. There are thousands of groups working on issues important to Nigerians. Some examples include these:
	Environmental groups working for clean air and water, wise use of our land and other natural resources, and preservation of wilderness areas. Religious groups advocating for inclusion of their values in public policy. Cultural and ethnic groups working on behalf of the needs of their communities. Social justice groups working to protect the rights of women, people living in poverty, children (born and unborn), and people with disabilities. Labour unions working on political issues and campaigns, especially those related to jobs, wages, and working conditions. Self-advocacy groups and disability advocacy groups working to empower persons with disabilities and bring disability issues to the attention of leaders and the public. Neighbourhood or community improvement groups working on issues important to the residents of a neighbourhood, town or city.
2.	Volunteer to help with a voter registration drive. Many of the groups listed above are also involved in helping as many people as possible get registered to vote and get to voting places. They often need volunteers to work at information tables at community events or go door-to-door helping people get registered to vote.
3.	Volunteer to work on a political candidate’s campaign. All people trying to be elected to public office need volunteers to work on their campaigns. People who are trying to get elected to school boards, city councils, state legislatures, the National Assembly, and those running for President all need people willing to help mail campaign materials to people, distribute campaign signs and fliers to homes, and call people to ask them to vote for the candidate.
4.	Let leaders know your views. When local, state or national leaders are making decisions about issues important to you, let them know how you want them to vote on the issue by writing, phoning, texting or e-mailing them. You can also share your views at public meetings such as city council meetings and government hearings about issues and laws.
5.	Invite leaders to talk about disability issues. Self-advocacy groups can sponsor public meetings in which people who are running for political office and people who are already in leadership in government are invited to talk about the issues important to people with disabilities.
6.	Participate in protest marches and rallies. This is very important. When large numbers of people feel strongly about an issue they may gather together to hold a march or rally to make their views known. This happens most often when people want to protest an action taken by the government at the local, state or national level as was done by the Save Nigeria Group. There are also rallies to support candidates for public office.
7.	Stay informed about issues affecting you and encourage others to stay informed. Staying informed includes attending the debates and speeches by candidates running for public office, listening to or watching news broadcasts, reading newspapers and organization newsletters, attending community meetings about issues, and talking with others.
8.	If you’re eligible to vote, vote! When there are elections, learn about candidates and issues, think about your values and needs, make sure you’re registered to vote and know where to vote, and vote for the candidates who best represent your views. credits: Transparency for Nigeria, Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack and the College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota.View more of Oraye's Notes on Facebook