Empowering Voices: The Role of Citizen Participation in Public Policy Creation

 How Involved should we be in public policy making? Should we only go as far as voting for and official and letting them handle the rest? 

For me is feels like a debate that first starts out by asking, how much power and or influence should a person or group of people have. As time moves forward and society continues to evolve the balance of power is ever shifting and makes it very clear that without public interaction, we may find ourselves on the end of less power over the decisions that are made for us. Not only how much power is being held but who decides who holds said power and how they are allowed to wield it.  

The problem (not really) is that our society is increasingly diverse. With all of the different cultural backgrounds, belief systems and Flat world theory's, it's difficult to see how it would be efficient to have every topic of contention voted on by each member of society before we were able to move forward with change. Alot of people would say “this is what elected officials are for’ which is true, but how do those people become our elected officials if we (the people) are not actively taking part in their elections. We vote for public officials and representatives to speak on our behalf's, it's also up to us to make sure they are following through with feasible campaign promises. 

We/ You need to be represented and heard and sometimes the best way to do that is by showing up and getting your hands dirty (as you should). Public policies that are created should be a direct reflection of the community they are meant to serve and protect including those of us at our lowest point.  

You know the saying “You’re not growing if you’re not unfordable” the same applies to political progression. 

As citizens we try our best to vote in those who best represent what we believe is needed in our community's and societies, but depending how you grew up it can be an uncomfortable experience. Wanting to be involved and not knowing what you don't know can be very anxiety inducing, feeling like you don't belong in that space to lend your voice is a very real thing. However, there are too many outside factors that can sway an elected official for us to let discomfort stop us. Corporate political donations tend to be significant and have only grow throughout the years. Large corporate and individual donations have the power to sway a lot of things politically and NOT always for the better.  

In the 2022 midterm elections, Corporate PACS and other business-related entities contributed around 344 million dollars across the board. 

We should be able to vote for a representative and let them do their jobs without fear of their desired personal gain outweighing what the right thing to do is. Transparency will allow us to feel that we can not only rely on ourselves to make decisions for our community but also our elected officials. This also allows us to hold our elected officials accountable, because at the end of the day, they work for US.  

It's Imperative that the public are involved in all levels of government, state, local and federal at the same time is also important for us to feel that we can trust or government. Transparency will only bolster our trust and verify for the people that their participation in democracy can and will lead to tangible changes in our society. 

History has shown that countries with little or low political involvement from its citizens tend to face a plethora of challenges that other country's may not have or may not have to that extent. Issues such as restricted civil liberties and or a limited / corrupt democratic process.  

EX: Philippines has about 21% of its population politically involved, they have high levels of political violence and a large inequality gap. 

Our/your involvement should not only be made easy, but encouraged, by those in office and other civilians. The greater the citizen involvement in politics the healthier the democracy of that country/city/state will be.  

Citizens should play a prominent role in shaping public policies that are put in place, both by direct contact and indirect contact like an elected official you voted to put in office. We the people are the prominent stakeholders in the outcome in these policies. Being engaged ensures that they are geared towards equitable and effective solutions.  

Being involved also can help with the sometimes hopeless and helpless feeling you have, when you see things that you feel just are NOT what you would want for the future of your community.  

Don't go quietly into the dark night, make your voice be heard! Our society needs both individual participation and elected official participation to function at the high level that it does currently. Is it perfect? NO! But we need all voices to push forward change and build a better future, one that is a true reflection the collective needs and values of the people it's meant to represent.