Politics Isn't Just D.C. - It Starts at Home

There needs to be a shift in how we view and act in politics.

What we are witnessing in real time is the impact of ongoing threats and injustices driven by the Trump administration. Since Trump was re-elected for his second term in office, he has come back with even more brutal policies that have impacted many communities, leaving us all both fearful and anxious for what's to come. But this is precisely the issue: why do we have to forego a presidency because many voters failed to understand a candidate's policies and motives? Why has politics become rage-driven entertainment rather than a subject people are truly educated about?

Politics has long been an elephant in the room, and now we're being bluntly confronted with the consequences. When most people hear the word "politics," they think of national elections, senators, and the White House. While critical knowledge of national politics is necessary, it's equally vital to recognize the immediate and direct impact individuals can have at the local and state levels. Rarely do we stop to consider the city council meeting down the street or the student government vote on campus—yet these local decisions affect our daily lives far more than we often realize. Unlike the Capitol, our hometowns are where we live, work, and raise our families.

I've seen firsthand how local policies shape everything from transportation and safety to education and access to healthcare. These decisions determine which community programs receive funding, how public spaces are maintained, and even how our taxes are allocated. The more people show up, the more power, perspective, and progress can happen. Town halls happen nearly every other week, yet few young people—or individuals in general—attend. Students, especially, often underestimate their influence in local politics. We assume our votes don't matter, or that "real change" only happens at the national level. But history proves otherwise. Local advocacy has led to safer neighborhoods, improved school programs, and policies that reflect the voices of those too often left out of the conversation. 

Engaging in local politics doesn't have to be intimidating. It starts with small steps: attending a council meeting, talking to local representatives, or volunteering for initiatives that matter to you. On campus, encouraging peers to register to vote, hosting informational workshops, or simply amplifying local issues on social media.

The truth is, politics is not some distant, taboo, abstract concept—it is the framework that shapes your everyday life. Understanding and engaging in local politics isn't just a civic duty; it's a tool to ensure your community reflects your values.

So the next time you feel disconnected from politics, start by looking closer to home. Your voice matters more than you think, because it is needed in times of uncertainty.