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How to get involved in my city's decisions?
Is it worth attending my city's City Council Meetings as a resident not involved in politics at all? Is there anything to gain out of it? Can I really cause a change through this?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, M !
That is a fabulously awesome question !
Yes, it is always worthwhile to attend City Council Meetings as part of speaking your mind, bringing things to their attention and expressing your opinions about issues. The more people speak out, the more they know how the community is thinking and that is what the council needs - feedback. I would say, yes, try to attend as many meetings as you can. It will also give you experience in public speaking as well. I left the link to the Council website below so you can see their schedule and read the minutes from meetings.
It's hard to estimate if you alone can cause a change, but there are additional things that you can do as well if you want to. Below is a link to your California State government at which you can see your Senators, Representatives and a map of the congressional districts. There are options there on how to contact each person, so in addition to attending local council meetings you can read about what is happening in your state and voice your stance through e-mail to one or some of the representatives or senators.
Go to your first City Council meeting and see how you like it. Do a search on You Tube to see if your council has a channel and uploads videos of the meetings so you can sort of get a preview. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
THE CITY OF SAN JOSE - CITY CLERK'S OFFICE - COUNCIL AGENDAS AND MINUTES https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/appointees/city-clerk/council-agendas-minutes
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT TRACK WEBSITE https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/CA#senators
That is a fabulously awesome question !
Yes, it is always worthwhile to attend City Council Meetings as part of speaking your mind, bringing things to their attention and expressing your opinions about issues. The more people speak out, the more they know how the community is thinking and that is what the council needs - feedback. I would say, yes, try to attend as many meetings as you can. It will also give you experience in public speaking as well. I left the link to the Council website below so you can see their schedule and read the minutes from meetings.
It's hard to estimate if you alone can cause a change, but there are additional things that you can do as well if you want to. Below is a link to your California State government at which you can see your Senators, Representatives and a map of the congressional districts. There are options there on how to contact each person, so in addition to attending local council meetings you can read about what is happening in your state and voice your stance through e-mail to one or some of the representatives or senators.
Go to your first City Council meeting and see how you like it. Do a search on You Tube to see if your council has a channel and uploads videos of the meetings so you can sort of get a preview. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: