Effective democracy requires more than voting. An election is a good way to make your voice heard, but not the best or the loudest. Democracy provides an amazingly easy process for getting involved and advocating for issues that are important to you. Sadly, this system often favors those who are well off and have something specific to gain from government. If the rest of us get involved, we will get government policy that helps the many instead of the few. Here are a few easy steps.

• Watch the budget and legislative process. News media provide coverage of some major policy issues and often provide brief reports on major steps in the budget process, but you can find out more through direct access to the Legislature itself. Both houses have online media centers summarizing recent actions. You can access them at House media page and Senate Communications Division. Click here to see the Governor's press releases. You can also find and track bills being considered by the legislature at Senate legislation page. While you can search bills by content or subject, it is very helpful to have a bill number. The more you know about what is happening, the more able you are to influence decisions before they are final.
• Contact your legislator and the Governor. You can find your state and federal legislators at Capitol Connect. You can then contact your representatives in several ways. Phone them through the main switchboards at 1-800-865-6490 for the State Senate and 1-800-522-8522 for the State House of Representatives. You can access direct phone numbers and e-mail addresses for Senators and Representatives, and Governor's office here. When you speak with legislators or the Governor's staff, let them know what you are interested, your priorities, and what your issue means to you. Don't hesitate to contact your representatives more than once, particularly when important votes are coming up.
• Work with the agencies that provide services that are important to you. Customer contact is important to agencies in setting budget and policies. It helps them determine whether their services are working and whether there is demand for more or better services. They can share with you their current issues and strategies. By meeting agency officials you will develop a direct connection that makes services more effective and makes your voice heard in the agency and with the legislature.
• Write letters to the editor. Letters help raise the profile of issues that are important to you and they let your fellow citizens know you expect more from our government. Since the letters are read carefully by legislators, political leaders, and interest groups, this is a good way to have an impact on the legislative process.
• Work with others who share your views. There are a lot of people working at the Capitol to have their voices heard. Voices get louder when they work together. You will meet others with the same interests if you meet with legislators, attend hearings or floor sessions, or talk with agency officials. There probably is an organized interest group, possibly with a lobbyist, who shares your views. One way to find them is Oklahoma Online directory of organizations.

No matter what, don't give up. Don't be shy about sharing your views with friends, family, coworkers, interest groups, newspapers and your elected officials. Eventually, those who work hard and have good arguments succeed.

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