{"id":45601,"date":"2025-01-08T21:11:47","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T21:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buildersmovement.org\/?p=45601"},"modified":"2025-01-13T14:22:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T14:22:18","slug":"encourage-politicians-to-be-builders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buildersmovement.org\/2025\/01\/08\/encourage-politicians-to-be-builders\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways to Encourage Leaders to be Builders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s face it: politics are pretty toxic<\/a> these days. But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. We can help change the culture by encouraging leaders to act in more positive and respectful ways \u2014 to act like <\/span>Builders<\/span><\/a>. A <\/span>Builder<\/span><\/i> is someone who solves problems constructively, thinks flexibly, and respects the dignity of all people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most Americans want less political toxicity \u2014 but change starts with speaking up. Every time you make your voice heard, you create <\/span>ripples of positive change<\/span><\/a>. The people you influence will, in turn, <\/span>influence others<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Your voice is probably more powerful than you think!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Here are three ways you can encourage better behavior from leaders:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Share your opinions in news outlets<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Engage with leaders on social media<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Contact leaders directly by phone or email\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Some tips before you start<\/b><\/h3>\n

    When we refer to \u201cleaders,\u201d we don\u2019t just mean elected leaders. It can be anyone you think has political influence \u2014 like a community leader, a corporate leader, or influential public figure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    We suggest focusing on <\/span>local and regional <\/span><\/i>leaders and issues. National leaders get so many messages and coverage that it can be harder for your message to stand out. Local leaders, on the other hand, often have a closer connection to their region and constituents. (That said, if you want to write something about a national topic, don\u2019t let us stop you!)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Criticism is often more effective when it <\/span>comes from someone seen as an ally<\/span><\/a>. For example, Democrats are more likely to listen to criticism from other Democrats than from Republicans (and vice versa).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    When offering criticism, speak respectfully and avoid personal insults.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Writing for news outlets<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Publishing your opinion in a local newspaper can have a big impact. It sends a message to leaders \u2014 but also, just as importantly, to the broader community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    There are two main ways to share your opinion:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n