Don't just email an MP. Get organised and think bigger.
We need to understand how there are many ways we can affect change, and if we're only thinking of limited individual action then it's easy to feel unheard. Older generations have plenty of time getting used to politics and asserting their influence, so let's take things seriously and make it clear that young people can and should be heard - and that involves some different tactics.
Contacting MPs is what I tell people to do because that's the basic step 1. It's easy. You just find your representative and tell them what the issue is, and what you want to see change. You don't need a template - it's literally just that simple.
But then what? Well, most people will stop there - but here's how to be more effective:
It's one thing for the politician to know your issue (they can't act without being informed) but it's important that they realise other people care too. This is the bit where you need to get organised and understand change is a community effort. The burden of responsibility isn't on your shoulders specifically, but you should seek out ways to get others to help.
Creating a petition is useful. If you make a physical one you can get signatures at a protest/rally. If you make an online one you can get signatures from posting in Facebook groups. Make social media posts and TikToks and tell others to do the same to spread awareness. Make multiple. Include calls to action. Tell people what you want to happen and how they too can get involved.
But also: engage with traditional media! Letters to the editor are a way to have a media outlet with massive reach publish your thoughts - and MPs will be able to read it. A few people email their office about a topic? OK, might look into that. It's getting media attention? It could escalate if left ignored.
Write physical letters to Members' offices! That's far harder to ignore than an email!
Find relevant interest groups/advocacy groups. Like when I'm trying to get people to care about how Western Australia has very outdated (and lacking) protections for LGBTQIA+ people I link them to Rainbow Futures WA because they're an organisation giving information and structure to that advocacy. Find groups relevant to what you want to see change and follow them on social media. You might not be confident enough to organise a protest, but if one is organised by a group you follow then you'll know about it and can boost the attendance.
Don't just email the government - email members of the opposition/crossbench. If they're bringing it up in Question Time, then how can the government defend itself if it keeps ignoring the issue? That feeds further into the media aspect of it because journalists will see it being brought up, and there could be a story there.
Is there a committee inquiry asking for public submissions on the topic that you can provide your perspective on? Look on the relevant parliament website to find out. Is a political party you support doing a survey on the topic so you can fill that out? Find out.
The aim isn't just to spam someone's inbox until they give you a satisfying response, the aim is to make it obvious that this is an issue for the community, this is an issue that needs action, and it will impact people's decisions at the next election.
All throughout this: talk to your friends about it. How are you, together, working on these ideas? How are you encouraging each other? How can you as a group reach more people with your message? How can you as friends help each other find the resources you need to stay informed? Organise as a group. It's far more effective that way.
Yes, starting with emailing an MP is important - and if that's all you can do, then at least you've done that. No guilt in not doing any of the rest of the list. But if you can do more, then that builds up and is useful, and the more people work together the better outcomes we can achieve.
