Your Corner of the Vineyard: Two Ways to Get Involved in Local Politics

Americans spend lots of time following national or international politics but often cannot name their mayor or the person who represents them at their state capitol. Yet, some of the most important issues related to our communities are decided at state and local levels.

The call to faithful citizenship is not limited to voting once every four years in the presidential election. God has planted us in a particular corner of his vineyard, and he invites us to take the principles of Catholic social teaching and build the city of God in our state and local communities. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to be part of the solution and not just complain about the problems.

So, how do we till the corner of our local vineyard? Here are two practical ways:

The first is to grow curious about our own communities (using our eyes). We need to form a habit of viewing politics primarily as a local endeavor. “Seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you; pray for it to the Lord, for upon its welfare your own depends” (Jer 29:7). One helpful tip is to spend less time on social media and more time asking questions about our daily lives and the politics involved. “Why haven’t these potholes been filled yet on Main Street?” “Who is on the school board?” “What are they teaching about gender in our high schools?” By using our eyes, new opportunities will present themselves as ways to make a difference. We know the problems impacting our communities, and we are best positioned to work with our neighbors to do something about them.

The second is to identify ways to play a role and apply for them. We need to take action. One benefit of everyone being glued to the national conversation is that it leaves local opportunities ripe for the plucking. Right now, there are more than 700 vacant board and commission seats in Minnesota. These positions play an important role in helping shape policy. There are likely dozens of roles with openings in each county, as well. Scott County, for example, has over 30 board and committee positions that need to be filled.

If the first thought is, “I wouldn’t be qualified” or “it sounds too confusing,” give it a shot. Anyone is more than welcome to apply for these roles. Fill a vacant spot and see what fruit the Lord might have prepared for you there.

Visit commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov to learn more about and to apply for state-level openings. Other local opportunities, such as town boards and municipal commission seats, can be found on county websites.