Political advocacy is being defined as navigating your local and national political space to affect positive change.  Each country’s decision-makers influence and implement policies that guide their society. An important means to achieve meaningful change requires ‘political will’ for climate action, and this can be attained by engaged citizens who demand action.  Some steps that you can take to be an advocate include:

• Research politicians’ voting history: 
  • Learn and research elected officials’ legislative track records to help you make an informed decision about voting during elections. 
  • Look for resources in your country that have information regarding Climate Action and local government. For example: the non-partisan research organization Vote Smart in the United States has an app called OnPoint, which allows citizens to learn their congressional member’s votes on certain issues like climate change. On the app, big environmental advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and Environment America rate each member on their actions and outlook towards climate change issues. In addition, it also compiles statements and references made by politicians from social media during debates and press conference appearances.
• Speak to elected officials: 
  • You can also talk to your local or state elected official about specific climate change issues that you care about. This is achievable especially through social media platforms like Twitter. 
  • Carbon-pricing bills place a fee on carbon and some fossil fuels to encourage the use of renewable energy source and in turn reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Cities or states can also encourage mandates so that a fixed percentage of their energy usage comes from carbon-free sources. For example, New York recently agreed to pass a similar mandate. 
  • Check if your state or local government is considering bills like these and contact the appropriate politician to inform them about why you support it. 
  • Check if your state or locality has an office, commission, or committee that focuses on climate change and if the general public is allowed to attend. Be part of these meetings and be prepared with some research on the topic of discussion so that you may be proactive with your suggestions and opinions at the event. 
• Determine Spheres of Influence
  • If your local and national politicians are not elected, but appointed, determine the ways in which they receive influence.  If they follow social media, see if you can communicate with them in that way. If they are influenced by other members of society (e.g. businessman, celebrities), see if those individuals are more open to the public or attend events that you can access.
• Run for Office!
  • Check the legal requirements and procedure for running as a local, state or national official.
  • Start thinking about your platform – what issues are you passionate about that align with community needs and will be action you take once in office.
  • Start building a network of influencers: people that can give you good advice and also help get you elected.  Most likely, you will have the same political and social interests that they do.
  • Don’t get discouraged: Many people do not get elected and some run for office multiple times before they get elected.  Expect some failure, but don’t give up.
  • Believe in the power of change.  Believe that you can make a difference, even if it is small.