How Activism Really Works - Minnesota Climate Change Volunteers Earn Republican Support

Considering that I live in Orange County, a place that balances a beauty of nature with a conservative, climate change denying congressional representative, I've been fascinated by people who have earned the support of their Republican representatives. 

Earlier this year, Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota joined the House Climate Solutions Caucus after years of quietly siding with those who wanted to avoid action. The people in his district were adamant that he make change, but in a friendly, creative, and persistent way. 

This is not to say that I don't think protesting is a great outlet for advocacy--I do--but I think it exists on a longer continuum that goes: voting->protesting->organizing->running for office. (One of these people briefly mentioned in the article--Bill Barron--even ran for Senate himself.) This article is for highlighting that often overlooked aspect of organizing. 

I was particularly impressed with Tomie Evans--a transgender woman that is so dedicated to her volunteer work that she took 60 days leave from her job last year, and would regularly meet with local GOP leaders. If a transgender woman can have beers with local GOP leaders, then I think a lot more of us can have civil conversations with those who disagree with us.

Read more about the story.