Involvement should go beyond vote

What can we do?
Feeling gut-punched by the election of Donald Trump as president, Democrats have been asking this question since last week. But it’s a good question for everyone to ask themselves.
In this country, we hold voting in high regard (although turnout numbers sometimes belie that point). But there are opportunities to make a difference, both in government and out, more often than just on Election Day.
So here are some tips on how you can make a difference, regardless or party or ideology:
•Pay attention. All too often we focus on politics only when it comes time for a presidential election. But the government machine runs 24/7, 365. Keep yourself informed. If something concerns you, write to your mayor, representative or senator. Of course, this doesn’t mean you’ll know every detail about every issue that comes up, but every little bit helps. The more knowledgable you are, the more prepared you will be when it does come time to vote.
•Think local. Your knowledge of government should extend beyond just the presidency. In fact, we would argue it should start at the local level and work its way up. Do you know who your city council representative is? Have you paid attention to what has happened at recent council, park board, aviation board and board of works meetings? If not, start. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, these local officials are the ones who make the most direct impact on your daily life.
•Do it yourself. We can’t expect government to handle everything for us. If there is something you care about, find a way to make an impact. This is literally open to anything. Care about kids? Volunteer as a youth coach or mentor. Concerned about hunger? Spend some time working at the local food bank. Worried about the state of the environment? Take an evening walk and pick up trash along the roadside.
Every four years, we elect a president. Donald Trump will become our 45th. Meanwhile, there are currently about 265 million American citizens.
So whether you’re a fan of Bill Clinton or George W. Bush, Barack Obama or Trump, it would be silly to put all of your eggs in their basket. Each one of us individually can not match their impact, but we as a whole can far surpass it.
Get out there and make a difference. — R.C.