The Community 5 with Matt Pacenza
Matt Pacenza is the policy director for HEAL Utah.
This article was originally published on examiner.com in 2011. Links have been updated August 2016.
- Attend meetings and hearings. “Government happens in venues where almost no one is there,” said Matt. The public is allowed at public meetings. People should take advantage of that fact and have their voices heard.
- Call, write and email your elected government officials. “It is critical,” stated Matt, “to demonstrate to folks that their actions have consequences. A small number of people can have a large impact.” HEAL Utah has action alerts to notify those who sign up about opportunities to have an impact with their calls, emails and letters.
- Get passionate and get educated. You don’t have to be a subject matter expert to become one. You don’t even have to have a degree to become a recognized subject matter expert. If you are passionate about a cause, whatever it is, and you devote time to learning about it, you will be able to make a difference in that subject.
- Volunteer. “Everyone needs help,” said Matt, “No one has enough resources.” Again Matt urged that those wishing to volunteer find a cause about which they are passionate. “Sometimes it is boring, but envelopes need to be stuffed (and) office moves need to be made.” Being passionate about the cause and the organization will help make those boring- but-needed tasks easier.
- Have informal conversations with your immediate social network. “Over time people become influenced by the people they are close to,” said Matt. Knowing about and being able to talk to people about your favorite things can change their actions. Think about the last time that you recommended a movie or restaurant to your friend. Chances are that person took your advice and even if they didn’t go, they thought more positively about the movie or restaurant.
This article was originally published on examiner.com in 2011. Links have been updated August 2016.