Episode 272: Get In, We’re Going Local!

On this episode,  L. Joy explores the concept of power—not the kind from the federal government but the kind built at the local and state levels. Focusing on empowering listeners to engage locally, L. Joy emphasizes the importance of shaping policies, influencing local budgets, and participating in municipal and state elections. She brings New York City Council Member Chi Ossé and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, to the front of the class discuss the vital role of local and state governments in effecting change. And they share their recommendations on civic engagement. Additionally, L. Joy highlights the show’s fourth consecutive NAACP Image Award nomination so go to naacpimageawards.net to vote for Sunday Civics in the News and Information podcast category to help amplify civic education.

The discussion with City Council Member Chi Ossé at the front of the class, opens as he shares his journey from activist to elected official, highlighting how local government can create tangible, meaningful change in people’s lives. The conversation emphasizes the need to inspire disillusioned and apathetic individuals to engage in local politics, where their actions can have the most direct impact. Chi also discusses his successful advocacy for the Fair Act, legislation to reform broker fees in New York City, which now requires the party hiring a real estate broker to pay their fee, relieving renters of a significant financial burden.

While she was at the front of the class, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones to discussed the importance of local governance from the position of an executive role, combating apathy, and building equitable communities. She shared her inspiring journey from her first civic action as a child in a family of civic activists, to becoming the first Black woman mayor of St. Louis. She highlights the significant challenges of being a "blue mayor in a red state," including her fight against state preemption attempts to control her city’s police department. Mayor Jones emphasizes the power of local government to effect meaningful change and offers actionable recommendations for civic engagement.

Chi Ossé’s Recommendations for Civic Engagement

1. Focus on Local and State Power

• Recognize the significant influence local governments have on daily life, such as setting budgets, addressing housing affordability, and improving community services.

• Participate in municipal and state elections, including primary elections, to influence the leaders and policies that directly affect your community.

2. Leverage Local Government Resources

• Contact city council offices for help with issues like housing, sanitation, or other local services.

• Attend public meetings such as rent guideline board sessions to voice your opinions and influence decisions.

3. Support Proactive Legislation

• Engage in advocacy efforts for local laws that address your issues, for example the advocacy for the Fair Act, which the Council Member championed, 

4. Build and Strengthen Coalitions

• Collaborate with local organizations, unions, and elected officials to amplify your advocacy efforts.

• Use both traditional organizing methods and modern tools like social media to rally community support.

5. Help Rebuild Trust in Democracy

• Highlight how local government can make immediate, visible changes, like installing a requested trash can or advocating for lower rents. 

• Inspire disengaged community members by showcasing how civic participation leads to real, positive outcomes.

6. Support and Inspire Young People

• Encourage youth involvement in civic activities to instill lifelong habits of engagement and advocacy.

Mayor Tishaura Jones’ Recommendations for Civic Engagement

1. Pay Attention to Local Government

• Recognize that local government decisions affect your daily life more than federal actions.

• Engage with city councils, boards of aldermen, and mayors, as they implement policies on the ground.

2. Stay Informed and Combat Misinformation

• Learn what your local government is responsible for and manage expectations.

• Seek accurate information about your city’s policies by attending town halls or following official communications.

3. Show Up and Participate

• Attend neighborhood or city council meetings to voice concerns and hear updates directly from local leaders. Use these settings to address specific issues like public safety, sanitation, or infrastructure needs

• Engage with school board elections to ensure quality education for children, a key factor in community stability and growth.

4. Advocate for Equity

• Push for equitable investments in historically neglected neighborhoods.

• Support policies that build community wealth and improve access to resources like affordable housing, quality schools, and safety initiatives.

5. Use Voting as Resistance

• Treat voting as an act of empowerment and resistance against policies that undermine your community.

• Encourage others to participate by showcasing the tangible impacts of local government decisions.

6. Build Community Power

• Join or organize neighborhood associations to stay informed and collaborate on issues affecting your area.

• Work collectively to hold elected officials accountable and push for progress on community priorities.
  

Take Civic Action

Do Now: Set Your Local Engagement Goal:
Determine how you will get involved in your local community this year.

1. Check for Upcoming Local Elections:

   • Look up your area to see if there are municipal or local elections this year.

   • Identify the dates for both primary and general elections.

2. Mark Election Dates on Your Calendar:

   • Add these important dates, including primaries, to your schedule.

3. Get the “Get Vote Ready” Book:
   Use L. Joy’s evergreen guide to help you stay informed and prepared for elections at every level.

4. Support Sunday Civics:

   • Visit naacpimageawards.net to vote for Sunday Civics in the Outstanding News and Information Podcast category.

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Chi Ossé

Chi Ossé is the Council Member for New York City’s 36th District, representing Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights. He entered politics as an organizer and prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement. At 23 years old, Ossé was elected in 2021 as the youngest member of this Council and its only member hailing from Gen-Z.

Ossé is the co-Chair of the Brooklyn Delegation. His work is focused on implementing innovative and human-centered public safety solutions and investing in solving New York’s housing crisis. More broadly, he recognizes the immense power of municipal spending and is an outspoken advocate for budget justice.

 Tishuara Jones

Tishaura Jones was sworn-in as the 47th mayor and the first Black female mayor in the City’s history on April 20th, 2021.

Transparency, Integrity, and Service define who she is and how she did it. Since 2012, Tishaura O. Jones has helped the City of St. Louis earn and save over $30 million and counting.

With a deep personal commitment, a wealth of experience, and a proven record of leadership, Jones started her career as a public servant in 2002 when she was appointed as Democratic Committeewoman of the 8th Ward in the City of St. Louis. A history-maker on a mission, she served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, and was selected as the first African American woman in Missouri history to hold the position of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. She also is the first African American woman to serve as Treasurer of St. Louis.