MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) today launched an initiative in Minnesota communities aimed at increasing citizen engagement in the local democratic process. The Local Democracy Challenge, which runs through Nov. 26, outlines six areas of direct action that citizens can take in a non-general election year. The public is invited to participate in this campaign by logging in at landstewardshipproject.org/localdemocracy, or by stopping by one of LSP’s offices in the Minnesota communities of Montevideo, Lewiston or South Minneapolis. More information is also available by contacting Emily Minge, LSP’s political organizer, at eminge@landstewardshipproject.org.
The Challenge actions are focused on local levels of government — townships, counties, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, school boards and the Minnesota Legislature — and consist of simple ways that citizens can participate in having a positive impact on their communities. The actions include meeting with local elected leaders, attending public meetings and learning how to read a legislative bill.
“One day a year we exercise our democratic right to vote for our elected leaders at various levels. But just casting your ballot is not enough — these officials represent us all year and we need to hold them accountable for actions they take once they are voted into office,” said Minge. “The bedrock of a strong community is the ability of the people who live there to have a say in the future they want to see through their townships, counties and other forms of local government.”
For every action completed, participants will be entered into a drawing that includes two $250 gift cards, a Patagonia duffle bag and LSP merchandise. Participants can enter by either filling out postcards and mailing them to LSP or by filling out an online form at landstewardshipproject.org/localdemocracy.
LSP’s Local Democracy web page also includes resources for those participating in the Challenge, including directories of local officials, sample letters to government leaders and a listing of active action alerts. An online form to request hard copies of the Local Democracy Challenge card is available as well. Teachers are encouraged to request materials for their classrooms as part of civics education.
“When threats to stewardship of the land, economic fairness and democracy seem to be daily news headlines, it’s hard to know how you can make a difference,” said Minge. “Engaging in your local democratic and civic community is a great place to start.”
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The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an ethic of stewardship for farmland, promoting sustainable agriculture and developing healthy communities in the food and farming system. LSP has offices in the Minnesota communities of Montevideo, Lewiston and South Minneapolis. More information is available at landstewardshipproject.org.