There are many changes with the new Presidential administration. Mass layoffs and terminations, a changed world view, decreased or eliminated funding for decades old programs, round-ups of immigrants and more. Some citizens are pleased with these changes, while others are disappointed or angry. The current situation has given rise to a number of questions, seeking answers and clarification. So, how can a citizen in our representative democracy convey their views to the individuals that we elected?
Contact
You can call and/or write your representatives. Both State and Federal Elected Representatives ( Senators and Representatives) can be contacted for information and clarification, as well as to make your opinions, as a voter, heard.
Funding
You can make donations to organizations and individuals who have platforms and beliefs consistent with and supportive of your views. Consider who is taking action for what you want to happen.
Protest
Generally, local protests are planned and occur quickly so the best way to learn about them is online. Various member-only Facebook groups facilitate local protests and inform about national events. For example, the 50501 Movement that advocates 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, has scheduled the next protest for March 4. For more up-to-date information, check websites, Facebook pages, Instagram, Reddit, etc. Consider joining some of these local groups, working to make their voices heard: 50501, Toledo Troublemakers, Red, Wine and Blue, Michigan Women for Democracy, Toledo Persists, Mockingjay Movement, Moms for Social Justice, Working Families Party Ohio and League of Women Voters of Toledo Lucas County.
The American Civil Liberties Union provides guidance for safe and legal protesting.
Boycott
Boycotts may be effective to convey a message. A few planned national boycotts:
March 7-14 – Amazon – do not use Amazon
April 7-14 – Walmart – do not shop at Walmart
April 18 – Economic Blackout #2 -spend no money
April 21-28 – General Mills – do not buy their products
Call or write your reps. To find your federal and state representatives go to legislature.ohio.gov
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Federal Representatives
U.S. Senate:
Senator Bernie Moreno
DC Office : SR-B33 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-2415
Columbus Office: 200 N High St # 618, Columbus 43215; 614-469-2083
moreno.senate.gov
Senator Jon Husted
DC Office: ST-198 Russell Building, Washington DC 20510; 202-224-3353
husted.senate.gov
U.S. House of Representatives:
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio’s 9th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2314 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-4146
Toledo District Office: 1 Maritime Plaza #600, Toledo, OH 43604; (419) 259-7500
kaptur.house.gov
Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio’s 5th Congressional District)
D.C. Office: 2467 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-6405
Bowling Green District Office: 1045 N Main St, Suite 6, Bowling Green, OH 43402; (419) 354-8700
latta.house.gov
State Elected Representatives
(Not certain who your representative is? Visit legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps and enter your address to find your State Senator and Representative)
Ohio State Senate:
State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (11th Senate District)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-5204
ohiosenate.gov/paula-hicks-hudson
State Senator Theresa Gavarone (District 2)
Columbus Office: 1 Capitol Square, first floor #138, Columbus 44215; 614-466-8060 ohiosenate.gov/theresa-gavarone
Ohio House of Representatives:
Representative Elgin Rogers, Jr. (District 42)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/elgin-rogers
Representative Michele Grim (District 43)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8010
ohiohouse.gov/michele-grim
Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (District 75)
Columbus Office: 77 S. High St, 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 466-8104
ohiohouse.gov/haraz-ghanbari
Representative Josh Williams (District 44)
77 High St 11th floor, Columbus, OH 43215; 614-466-1418
ohiohouse.gov/josh-williams
