Part 2 of “The Cost of Doing Nothing” - Show Up Locally
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“The People Who Actually Control Your Life Aren’t on TV”
You can rage all day about the president, Congress, or that guy on cable news, but the truth is: your everyday quality of life is shaped far more by people whose names you don’t know — yet.
We’re talking about the local school board deciding what your kids read.
The zoning commission deciding if a big box store goes up on your corner.
The water district deciding what you drink.
The county clerk deciding how — or whether — your vote counts.
These aren’t glamorous offices. Most don’t get debates. Few attract press. Often, no one even runs against them. Which means that:
The fewer people show up, the more power each person has. Want influence? Be there.
Real Power Is Often Unattended
In many local elections, turnout is under 20%. Sometimes it’s under 10%. That means a dozen people at a school board meeting can sway policy. One vote can decide who gets to redraw your district map. Your absence is someone else’s opportunity.
What Showing Up Looks Like
Attend a city council or board meeting (they’re public — and sometimes online).
Ask a question. You don’t need a soapbox, just curiosity.
Vote in the “boring” elections. They’re where the rules are written.
Volunteer for a committee or advisory group. You don’t need experience — just the willingness to listen and help.
Remember This:
The people who affect your daily life — traffic, schools, bills, clean water, housing, voting access — don’t have to go viral to be powerful.
And they don’t need millions to win. Sometimes they only need you not to notice.
