2-minute read
After the nonstop roller coaster ride of the US presidential election, a lot of us are exhausted. And we’re ready to be done with the ordeal that politics in this country has become. But we’ll all benefit if we shake it off and power up instead of throwing in the towel.
Our democracy gives us the opportunity to have a say in how funds get allocated; it’s through policy that substantial changes for the public good are made. That’s why staying informed and engaged is more important than ever. It’s the only way to ensure all voices are heard and advance ways to be gentler on the planet.
Progress on environmental and other critical issues requires informed, involved citizens. Your organization can positively influence civic engagement in a number of ways:
- Facilitate dialogue with elected officials. Share links that make it easier for workers to voice their opinions, concerns, and feedback. People can also monitor how their representatives and senators are voting as well as their sources of funding.
- Encourage critical thinking by offering in-house book clubs, speakers, curated podcast and TED Talk collections, and support for continuing education. Train managers in techniques for developing higher-level thinking skills in team members. With practice, we get better at analyzing information, synthesizing viewpoints, and generating/evaluating new ideas to address problems and issues.
- Cultivate humility. Studies find this attribute reduces defensiveness, promotes civility, and helps people see the humanity in others as well as understand differing views. A big part of humility is recognizing our own flaws and acknowledging that we all have something to learn from each other. Be a humble role model by becoming aware of your own shortcomings, taking a modest approach to interactions, and showing concern for others. Explore/share this DIY workbook for developing humility created by researcher Everett Worthington and colleagues.
Helping employees and families establish eco-friendly habits keeps these issues top of mind and can spark community involvement plus action on a deeper level. But sweeping change requires meaningful policy action. In a government designed to be of, by, and for the people, that means more than voting. We all need to stay engaged and informed, think critically, and participate in civil discourse. By assisting others in exercising these rights and responsibilities fundamental to our democracy, together we can truly help our planet and humanity thrive.
Recommended Resources
Fair Fight: Voter Suppression Awareness
How Humility Can Help Us Bridge Our Political Divides
National Institute for Civil Discourse
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter (2017) — by Celeste Headlee
Beth Shepard
Well-being consultant, educator, writer ｜National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach ｜Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach｜ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist ｜25+ years in wellness ｜Jazz enthusiast.