While advocacy organizations like AWI can represent the views of like-minded individuals when it comes to supporting or opposing bills, the most powerful voice still belongs to the individual constituent.
It may seem as if one person cannot affect the legislative process. After all, conventional wisdom holds that the political process is corrupt and the government is broken: politicians don’t listen to an average citizen; legislators can’t get anything done.
However, these common narratives must be challenged. While government does not function perfectly, and it can sometimes be hard to make your legislators listen, effective strategies can increase the chances of your opinion having an impact.
Our system of government is slow-moving and complex, but the legislation that makes its way through this process has the potential to fundamentally change the way our society functions. Your voice does matter in this process, and the only way to make a difference is by using it to advocate for the issues you care about.