Want to make a difference? It’s time to become a decision-maker.

One significant way you can make a difference – in your part of the world at least – is to influence the kinds of decisions that affect you, and the things and people you care about.

Who’s making decisions that affect you?

Who’s making these decisions right now? All kinds of people at all levels in your community. And do you know what? Many of them don’t have any special qualifications (which is why you could be doing what they’re doing).

If you don’t like the decisions being made where you live, figure out how to change the decision-makers. Or become one yourself.

As you read this, people are making decisions that affect you in your schools, clubs, not-for-profit organisations, companies, councils and state and federal parliaments. In some places there are also a multitude of other publicly-elected roles where people are deciding things.

Elected or unelected?

There are elected decision-makers and un-elected ones.

If decision-makers are elected to their roles, you have a few options. You could stand for election and dislodge one of them, support someone else to get elected and do the dislodging, or support an existing decision-maker whose style you like.

If they’re not elected, well, there’s an opportunity for you! Sometimes people end up in unelected roles because they put their hand up and volunteer. They ask. If that’s the case, start asking. Maybe you need to be nominated or be an official member. Volunteer for committees and attend events, so you can work out if the organisation is a good fit for you. Then, if you think you’d like to be part of the decision making process there, tell the relevant people you’d like to join their committee or board.

Then, if you enjoy doing that and you’ve figured out a bit about how people operate in groups, you could join some bigger organisations, or move into state of national roles in the organisations you’re already part of. Or consider standing for election for other roles.

Start where you are – now’s the right time to begin

I reckon there’s a lot of power in contributing to organisations where you live. You can not only change things for yourself and the things you care about, but you’ll likely boost your sense of personal satisfaction and meaning. That’s the power of putting yourself forward to make a difference.

Good luck.

—

If you’re interested in getting elected or finding a position where you could influence something, I’ve written a book you might find helpful: ‘Thank Goodness You’re Here!, now get elected and make a difference.’ It’s a practical and humorous guide to planning and running your own election campaign without losing your soul, your friends or your sense of humour.