Minnesota Catholic Conference
Americans spend lots of time following national or international politics, but often cannot tell you who their mayor is or who represents them at the state Capitol. Yet, some of the most important issues related to our communities are decided at the 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:
- Get curious about your own community (using your eyes)
First, we need to get in the 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.” (Jeremiah 29:7). One helpful tip is to spend less time on social media and start asking questions about your daily life 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, a whole new realm of opportunities opens for us to make a difference in the place where we live. We know the problems impacting your community, and we are best positioned to work with neighbors to do something about them.
- Identify local role openings and apply
Once we have this proper shift in vision, 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 over 700 vacant board and commission seats in Minnesota. These positions play an important role in helping shape policy. If you look in your own county, there are likely dozens of openings as well. Scott County, for example, has over 30 board and committee positions that need to be filled.
If your first thought is, “I wouldn’t be qualified” or “it sounds too confusing,” give it a shot, as anyone in the public is more than welcome to apply to these roles. If you feel even a slight calling, fill a vacancy spot and see what fruit the Lord might have prepared for you there.
Visit commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/ to learn more about the state-level openings and apply. For even more local opportunities, such as town boards and municipal commission seats, visit your specific county website.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, provides an occasional “Inside the Capitol” update.
Pictured above: A man raises his hand to speak at a local town hall meeting. (Adobe Stock)