Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society

                   Political rights are human rights, and justice needs all of us. A inclusive political system is essential for any democratic system. We need more political activists, more citizen lobbyists, more people debating the solutions for the problems we face in a daily basis. More candidates without political mandate with real chances to win. More people fighting for justice, peace, freedom of speech, and against corruption, violence and politicians that don't like to hear constructive criticism and don't like to debate our problems. I would really like to thank all the supportive message we are feeling here in Brazil, because like Julian Assange once said, "the feeling of justice is a very strong feeling in the human beings."  This post is a summary of three articles. The first is a book review with the incomplete title above published at https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2017/07/24/book-review-lobbying-for-change-find-your-voice-to-create-a-better-society-by-alberto-alemanno/. The second was published at    https://www.cmasas.org/how-find-your-voice-use-it-daily-life. The third was published at   https://www.amnesty.eu/news/raise-your-voice-for-the-right-to-speak-out/

                    In Lobbying for Change: Find your Voice to Create a Better Society, Alberto Alemano seeks to demystify and democratise the practice of lobbying by inspiring readers to become 'citizen lobbyists'. Serving as both a galvanising wake-up call and an accessible positive and practical guide to those looking to influence public policy. Whether you feel unhappy with the way our societies are working, powerless to make a change or simply tired of being a spectator to a show that is driven by only a few actors, you should read this book. As the author writes:"This is not a academic book. This is a volume to reach a broader audience, and to inspire you." Inspire you to get involved in the mystified world of lobbying and unfashionable machinery of government to become what the author calls a 'citizen lobbyist'. Lobbying means persuading people who hold power to care about an issue. Traditionally monopolised by 'professional lobbyists' who are remunerated by companies, citizen lobbying aims at democratising this activity. By giving you the same means as a professional employs, citizen lobbying has the potential to act as a social equaliser. The reader will certainly feel inspired, empowered and ready for action. Divided into three parts, the book starts with the identification of the problem on the issues of passive citizens, dominant actors and representative democracy. Throughout the book, Alemanno uses quotes from inspiring characters, which orient the reader's attention to the important points being made. The first part is a wake-up call. You face the problem head on and, as a result, you might feel resentful. The question is whether you decide to focus on this unfair reality or break the silence and go on with chapter two. What are your options? Voting and running for office are two main ways of taking part in a democracy, but these face limitations. Alemanno outlines the urgent need to reconnect elected representatives with the public. His book is timely considering current social, economic, and political volatility, and also offers a different perspective to bridge the gap. The real issue, then, seems to have more to do with the lack of knowledge and participation in politics. This where this book might provide a opportunity by playing a missing pedagogical role. Indeed, the novelty of Alemanno's argument is that we encourages ordinary citizens to embrace the change we are asking for. As put by the author: "It is time we turn the widespread criticisms of politics into an active democratic virtue." While you might be thinking that it is not your job to do the job of politicians, you will reap benefits for it. Chapter two demonstrates that citizen lobbying has the potential to harness your talent and maybe unveils a hidden one too. Lobbying for a cause you care about will increase your feeling of belonging to a community, and research referenced also has positive affect on health and wellbeing. Chapter three accounts for the majority of the book, providing a comprehensive 'toolbox' for anyone looking to influence public policy. Alemanno's "Ten Step Citizen Lobbying Guide" is well-explained to lead you in the right direction, provided that the necessary effort and commitment are put in place. There is also an essential introduction to the legislative process, stakeholders mapping, evidence-gathering and other knowledge and techniques essential for maximising one's lobbying chances. Although this guide is helpful and very pedagogical, there are some drawbacks. While the book insinuates that citizen lobbying is accessible and easy to implement, I have some doubts. The ones who need the most change might find it difficult to apply some parts of the guide, such as the research work and evidence-gathering that are essential to starting any lobbying campaign. Although the author argues that lobbying, unlike activism, has the potential to induce systematic change by targeting policymakers, the latter is actually more accessible. To balance this criticism, The Alemanno's message is the importance of solidarity.                                                               The best way to express yourself is found through doing. Try different ways you can think of... You should never close your mind to all the options, even if you think you already have the one you want. Depending on the form of voice you feel most drawn to using, it may be harder to do on a daily basis; so you may have to be resourceful and get creative. If you want to share a message with people that needs to be shared, you could use twitter, facebook or even do a youtube video on the topic you want. As for speaking, just raising your voice is a good way at getting your voice known.                                                                                            Different fights for human rights have been fought over the span of the last cebtury and they have been won. You can have an impact on what is happening. The ability to come in touch with other groups, and other citizens, all over the world, brings out a very strong sense of solidarity. It is important for people to raise their voices about the issues that matter to them as the elections are approaching because, without vocal input from the citizens, we can not hope for any actual change. And it is important to keep those who decide about our rights and our future in check by constantly reminding them that their duty is to follow what the citizens need and ask for.