A person can influence members of government in numerous ways to promote delivery of public expectations. Motivation to become governmental can be driven by desire to make a difference for the community, correct local injustices and shaping policies or how government delivers services to the people.
The list of members is extensive within village and city levels, as well as county, State & Federal bodies of government. Each position holder is subject to protocols provided by State and Federal Departments, that citizens can review to correct a position holders actions.
Consider that elected reps can be geared by electors before entering office and while they are in office. A task of position holders is balancing opposing desires of constituents and the general public. Many figureheads in public service are subject to elections and reelections at the hands of citizens which offers electors ability to customize local government with preferred position holders.
Reps Act on Behalf of the People – Representative Republic
Elected positions are directly involved in providing public services to the people in all levels of government and often act as superiors/leaders for employed members of government. (Such as a judge, mayor, governor, sheriff, etc) Research candidates to elect who will likely deliver your personal and community ideals. Monitor reps to identify correctable missteps by conversation, submitting complaints, a court of law or contesting a reelection.
Actions of government can be influences from within as an elected, employed or appointed member. If motivated to do so, create legislation as a member of the legislative branch, uphold it through executive power, or consider its bearing on people through the judicial branch.
Develop Relations with Members
Communication between public servants and people they provide for is obviously essential for creating teamwork. Inform reps at local and higher levels your personal expectations of them while in office. Share items they are inline to correct as a public provider. Give feedback regarding their actions in office.
Outside Persuasion
Members of government are each vulnerable to outside persuasions that result in on the job actions that do not align with how the State of Wisconsin defines their role. Also, a public servant may be required to respond to evidence you’ve provided, yet their response does not account for what that evidence contains.
Public Accountability/Checks & Balances
To balance the equation, so public servants and people they supply for behave as a team, our system of government includes an internal Checks & Balances system that operates between branches of government, and We the People are granted Constitutional and lawful means to hold members of government accountable for missteps we observe.
Means to an End
If upper authorities in local and State levels of government personally adhere to behaving ‘by the book’ written by the State and Federal government the following actions will produce results if accompanied by fitting evidence and delivered to officials effectively.
When evidence and delivery fits how the State of Wisconsin wants it delivered, yet the response is contrary to anticipation, seek a secondary means for attempt, and consider challenging the reelections of public servants that do not perform what the State has instructed them to provide the people they serve. Elected, employed and appointed officials can be directed by the public and/or held accountable for failures by lawful means.
The Following are Tools Available to the Public for Motivating Public Servants in Accordance with Public Expectations: (In Progress)
Accountability
Elect/Reelect
Petitions
Referendum
Judicial Review
Direct Legislation
Develop Governmental Abilities:
Learn the structure of government at Local, County, State and Federal levels to utilize the services provided and learn how to manage local and higher actions toward members of government.
Citizens’ Assemblies: A promising method for increasing public engagement in government decisions. Its members form a representative cross section of the public who discuss and make recommendations on important issues. Citizens’ assemblies can help address these public priorities that transcend national borders. Citizens’ assemblies deepen public engagement in governmental decision-making.
Advocacy Networks: Decentralized, collaborative coalitions of NGOs, activists, and institutions united by shared values and information exchange to influence policy, social change, and human rights. These networks operate across local to international levels, mobilizing information to change the behavior of governments and organizations, often through campaigns on issues like health, environment, or civil rights.
Local Action Boards: Such as Community Action Agency (CAA) boards, are governing bodies that oversee local initiatives, often focusing on community development, social services, and poverty reduction using public funding. They facilitate community-level decision-making, including health, housing, and voter access, often partnering with local governments.
Ballot Initiatives: Citizens use the initiative process to bypass legislative inaction and directly influence laws.
“Gyms” of Democracy: There is a growing effort to treat local, state, and community meetings as “gyms” for practicing democracy, designed to build “civic muscles” and allow for better collaboration on local issues.
Technology-Supported Deliberation: New approaches are combining in-person meetings with online platforms to maximize engagement and minimize the logistical barriers to participating in local government.
Community Lawyering: The Citizen Advocacy Center uses legal, educational, and organizing tools to protect public assets and ensure that citizens can participate meaningfully in government decision-making.
Digital Organizing: Involves using digital tools such as social media, email, and databases to mobilize people for social change, or structuring personal/professional data (files, photos, emails) to increase productivity and reduce clutter. It combines strategic, relational-based outreach with technology to build community power or streamline digital workflows.
Citizen Initiative Reviews: Citizens’ Initiative Reviews are a randomly selected representative group of voters who thoroughly and fairly evaluate ballot measures and write a Citizens Statement that provides voters with essential objective information they need to vote.
Nonprofit Organizing: Structure a nonprofit by defining a clear mission, establishing a board of directors, and filing for incorporation and tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)). Key components include drafting bylaws, setting up financial systems, creating a business plan, and selecting a structure (e.g., hierarchical or flat) that fits your size and goals.
Governmental Actions of Citizens
Learn to Find Related Websites Online and How to Research
Gain Access to Federal Code and State Legislation Online
Understand Role of Government Positions and Responsibilities Online
Understand Role of Citizens in Municipal, County, State and Federal Levels of Government
Review the Bill of Rights, State and Federal Constitutions
Elect Representatives that Promote Personal Interests in Government
Review Municipal and County Charters as Constitutions of Local Government
Learn Roles/Protocols of Government Members
Monitor and Inform Representatives
Municipal, State and Federal Levels of Government are Guided by Established Procedures and Laws
Attend Townhalls and City Council Meetings
Inform Local and State Representatives of Public Concern and Interests
Run for Public Office
Join Advocacy Groups
Petitions and Ballot Initiatives
Campaign Volunteering and Donations
Internet activism
Shape public Opinion through Media
Inform the Media
Engage with Think-Tanks
Protests & Rallies