Advocacy and Social Justice

Another way to make a difference in your community is to become involved in civic activities. Research shows that college students are very engaged in volunteerism, but students' civic participation has dwindled since the 1970s. While volunteering is important, it is often political activism that leads to lasting social change. Here are some ways to take the next step beyond volunteering.

Find a social justice organization

Find the right agency that matches your passion for social justice and advocacy:

Protecting the Environment

Ensuring Affordable, Accessible Housing

Fostering Civic Engagement

Supporting Women, Children, and Families

Empowering People with Disabilities

Working for a Just, Equitable Society

Identify & Contact Your Elected Officials

• UW-Madison Campus: Associated Students of Madison (ASM) http://www.asm.wisc.edu (Scroll down to "Student Council")
• City of Madison: Madison Common Council http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/council/index.html (scroll down to "Who's my Alderperson?")
• Dane County & State of Wisconsin:  http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/clerk/OffQuery.cfm
• Federal: http://www.firstgov.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Vote

• Where to vote http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/clerk/voter_query.cfm
• How to register to vote in Wisconsin http://elections.state.wi.us/faq_detail.asp?faqid=119&fid=27

Give Feedback on Laws & Regulations

• UW-Madison Shared Governance Committees http://www.asm.wisc.edu/advocacy/shared_gov.html
• City of Madison Committees http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/mayor/mycommit.html
• Federal Regulations http://www.regulations.gov/index.cfm
• Contact local & national media http://www.capwiz.com/lwv/dbq/media/
• Tips on writing letters to the editor http://www.ieeeusa.org/forum/guide/lettertotheeditor.html

Stay Informed

• Campus news and events http://news.wisc.edu/
• Local issues and news http://www.madison.com
• City of Madison neighborhood information http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/neighborhoods/index.htm
• Facts about Wisconsin, including demographic information http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_facts.html
• Wisconsin State Legislature http://www.legis.state.wi.us/index.htm
• Bill of Rights http://memory.loc.gov/const/bor.html
• Federal legislative activity http://thomas.loc.gov/

Other Resources

• Raise Your Voice campaign www.actionforchange.org
• Organizing guides http://www.actionforchange.org/getstarted/guides.html
• Grants & Conferences (Wisconsin Campus Compact) http://www.wicampuscompact.uwp.edu
• US Congress Information www.congresslink.org
• Guide to American Politics www.politics1.com
• 50 Ways to be "Political" http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC30/Editors.htm