How To Do Good In Your Community If Politics Has Left You Despondent

Illustration from the amazing @lo_doodles on Instagram.

Whether it’s the U.K general election, American politics or frustration at local authorities in your area, it’s safe to say many of us have felt let down by politics and those that aim to represent us in recent years. Democracy and the privilege that comes with being able to vote is something we’d like to preface this post by acknowledging, as the right to do so is not one shared by all women globally- something we continually hope and strive for change to bring about. The nature of democracy (especially felt in the UK currently) and freedom that comes from having your say means that sometimes things don’t go your way. Sometimes those around you- whether it be family, friends or work colleagues- don’t share your views, and it can be a tough pill to swallow in accepting what can feel like a personal ‘defeat’ as leadership that feels misrepresentative to you takes force.

Many of us feel inspired and spurred on to take action about the causes we deem as important around the time of an election or upheaval in politics, but we hope today’s post can act as a reminder that those in need require attention and time consistently, not just inline with a 4 year election timeline. Here are some small but mighty ways you can make a difference to those in your community if recent politics has left you despondent …

Volunteer or donate to your local food bank:

With recent stats showing there are more food banks in the U.K currently than McDonald’s, there’s something every one of us can do to help support those that rely on these services. The Trussell Trust are a nationwide strong network of food banks that not only help to feed those in desperate need, but also campaign and work to tackle the underlying issues that cause people to get stuck in a cycle of poverty. They support more than 1,200 food banks across the U.K, meaning there’s almost certainly one in your area, and you can find out for sure using their Find a Food Bank feature on their website. As well as donating some extra food from your weekly shop, there are plenty of other ways you can support their work that go beyond just food. Whether you’re in a leadership position and could facilitate a corporate partnership, or have some extra time in your week to volunteer in their food banks, offices or warehouse, there’s both big and small actions you can take in supporting their invaluable work.

Support causes that fight homelessness:

Similarly to the issue of food banks, homelessness is an issue that many of us feel passionately about ending. Sadly however, resources and schemes to help fight this issue have had little impact in recent years, as figures in 2017 estimated that “4,751 people slept rough across England on any given night in 2017 - a 15% increase compared to the previous year”. There are plenty of big and small commitments you can make in helping to end homelessness, with some as simple as signing this online petition from homelessness charity Shelter that aims to hold the government accountable for the homelessness crisis and force them to make legislative change. Got more time on your hands? Why not sign up as a Housing Emergency Response Operative (HERO), and get involved in campaigning for change? The role means you’ll receive “text messages and emails when there are opportunities to get involve with our campaigning, both locally and nationally” and is another way you can do your bit in helping to fight this issue for those most vulnerable. Sign up here!

Homelessness charity Crisis have plenty of accessible and simple schemes you can get involved in too- for example ‘Cafe from Crisis’- a project which helps to provide technical kitchen training and barista skills to homeless members of the public, passing on skills and knowledge that empowers individuals for future work opportunities. Stop by one of their two branches in London or Oxford and know that every purchase made helps in making a step towards ending homelessness!

Make your voice heard- canvassing and standing up for what you believe in:

Politics can be a draining subject to talk about, and can be especially challenging to bring into conversation if those around you share differing views. But the talk about policies and leadership is one that has to extend further than just surrounding elections and referendums if we’re serious about seeking change for society’s most vulnerable. Whether it means continuing the conversation of politics online, moving outside of your normal circle to challenge opposing views, or even signing up as a member of the party you believe in, there’s so much empowerment that can be found in making your voice heard.

Challenge the status quo:

The shock that comes with an election result that’s different from both your views and those you surround yourself with can be a tough pill to swallow. Acknowledging the difficulties that come with speaking into an echo chamber is the first step in working towards a political approach that really makes a difference, and focusing your efforts in speaking to those who uphold different opinions if one of the most tangible and effective ways to feel a sense of hope in encouraging a kinder approach to politics. Listen to what others have to say and try not to immediately dismiss views that oppose yours. Change is created by conversation, and neither side will gain perspective or understanding from arguments or insults. Express your views calmly and safe in the knowledge that even if you’re not a politics student or expert in legislation, your opinions are just as valid and worthy of consideration than others you view as more articulate.

Remember to look after yourself too:

Talk of politics, especially the negative emotions that can come with its confrontational nature, can be exhausting. It’s not easy, and we hope this post hasn’t trivialised the privilege it is to debate, volunteer time, money and resources to helping others. It can feel near impossible to advocate for others and their rights if you’re also struggling, so we’d like to highlight the strength in even engaging in politics in the most basic level. If you went out to vote last month, you’ve already had your say, and that act in itself is worth so much. Do what you can, when you can, and remember that the energy you exert in helping others is not reflective of your self-worth. Period.