Stop talking and just do it please. Just jump in the deep-end and start swimming. Trust me, it’ll be ok. Yes, learn from others who’ve gone before you – but take that critical first step now, today…before you talk yourself out of it yet again.

I’m talking of course about getting ACTIVELY involved in the world of policy and politics. Whether as a grass-roots community “issue advocate”, an active member of a non-profit advocacy group, or candidate for election to public office – now, today, is the moment in time to start.

It’s the only way we win. And it’s not going to happen unless you step up. Without increased and sustained civic engagement from regular folks like you – people and the planet will lose (or rather will keep losing).

What does winning look like? For starters, it’s affordable housing and healthcare. It’s a world that values protecting our natural environment, clean water, air, and food.

We’re not asking for much but we’re not getting any of it unless we each step up and take personal responsibility for our collective future.

Read The Scheme by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island). It’s about how dark money is taking over our government. It will blow you away.

We cannot win the money game. The only way to beat big money is through collective, individual, grass-roots action, starting at the local level.

Which is why I’m here today to encourage, cajole, plead, beg, and hopefully inspire you to get more involved.

The first step is to take your concerns beyond social media, directly to the policy-makers.

Start with the Hawai’i State legislature. The 2025 Regular Session opens on Wednesday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m.. The Capitol “Public Access Room” offers excellent and free advocacy training https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/

To be effective you must communicate most frequently with the elected official who represents you and your district. Here’s an official, easy, online tool that provides the name and contact info of your own district State Representative and Senator: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/

For first timers, perhaps start with a very short message:

“Aloha, As a constituent living in the district I’m writing to request your support for publicly funded “Clean Elections”, reform of “legislative rules” to increase transparency, and strengthening of campaign spending laws. Thank you in advance for responding to this email so I might know your position on these important issues.”

Send an email today please. It’s important that your district legislator know asap what issues are important to you, and that you are paying attention.

Of course choose whatever topic/issues most important to you. Just send the darn email!

Once you’ve sent the email, consider taking your advocacy to the next level and join the Clean Elections Coalition, Common Cause, Our Hawai’i, and the Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) – for a Good Governance Lobby Day – Thursday, January 9, 2024 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Hawai’i State Capitol.

This is a great way build relationships with legislators and other advocates. To attend the Good Government Lobby Day, register please with the nonprofit advocacy groups organizing the gathering at: https://tinyurl.com/57xskwne

If you’re already actively involved, have roots in the community, and some proven track record of leadership (school or PTA involvement, soccer coach, canoe club, Rotary, small business, nonprofit, etc) – maybe it’s time to throw your hat in the ring and run for election to public office.

2026 is right around the corner. If you’re serious about running and winning, now is the time to commit. If this is you, consider the HAPA Kuleana Academy – https://www.hapahi.org/kuleana-academy-program

There you have it. 3 steps representing 3 levels of activity for those of you wanting to help change the world.

Please. Follow your naʻau. Take a step or two today. We need you.

Gary Hooser
8 years on the Kaua`i County Council
8 years in the Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
now…just continuing to do what I can to make our world a better place

Full disclosure. I’m the volunteer Board President of HAPA. The Board sets policy and hires the ED who runs the organization. I get paid nothing and HAPA is not connected to this blog, nor with my email, and does not approve, or in any way direct my writing. https://www.hapahi.org