The Election is over, now what?

Now that the election is over, you might be tempted to put politics out of your mind, but now that our new leaders are in office it's important that we stay engaged. Our political engagement does not end in the voting booth, in fact, the voting booth should be just the starting point.

According to the Annette Strauss Institute, only 9 percent of Texans have ever contacted their elected officials, which means that 9 percent has an outsized influence on our politicians. Political engagement should not be about a specific party agenda, but about the agenda of the Christ.

As Christians, we are specifically called to be concerned about the poor, the widow, the orphan and the stranger. We should stay politically engaged as a means of speaking out against injustice. Political engagement is one method of pursuing public justice and seeking the common good for our neighbors.

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 (NRSV)

5 Ways to Engage Your Elected Officials

1. Make an appointment to visit with them and/or their staff.
   
2. Visit their websites and sign up to receive their newsletters.
   
3. Write a note or send an email letting them know you are praying for them regularly.
   
4. Connect via social media (i.e. friend them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter)
   
5. Plug in with the CLC
   
• Sign Up for CLC Today newsletter by texting CLCTODAY to 22828.
  
• Save the Date for Micah 6:8 Advocacy Day February 6-7, 2017 in Austin at Hyde Park Baptist Church.
• View the 2016-2017 CLC Legislative Priorities.