By DANIEL SAGER

While the November elections brought many reasons to be energized, it wasn’t without its share of disappointments in our state races. 

After speaking with many conservatives about the next couple of years, it is clear that we have momentum and need to continue to strategize and work together to get things back on track. I want to urge people not to succumb to the feelings of helplessness and gloom and, instead, get involved in any capacity that they are able. 

If angrily posting on Facebook isn’t providing the same dopamine hit that it used to, here are three easy ways that you can make a big impact in Anchorage.

Get involved with your House districts

Attending your district meeting is a great way to network and fellowship with like-minded people in your area and make your voice heard at the local level. They’re always eager to welcome new attendees with fresh perspectives, and I can assure you that you’ll make the district chair’s day. Interested in volunteering or learning about the unique challenges and opportunities in your district? This is the place to do it. Sometimes, there are even cookies. Follow this link to find your district chair’s contact and social media page.

Join a municipal board or commission

With numerous open seats on nearly every single board and commission, there’s sure to be one that suits your particular interest or area of expertise. From the Platting Board and the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission to the Public Naming Commission, once approved by the Assembly, commissioners are expected to serve three-year terms and work to advise the Assembly and mayor on matters within the group’s purview. They typically meet once per month for one to two hours in person and via Zoom. The full list of boards and commissions can be found here.

Attend your Community Council meeting

Looking for the easiest way to have a say in your neighborhood? Attending your community council meeting is by far the most bang for your buck (and it’s free). Meetings are held monthly, usually on both Zoom and in person and typically last about two hours. A typical meeting agenda will feature updates from your Assembly, school board and state representatives as well as other exciting business like new speed bumps and adopting a fire hydrant.

At the meetings in my neighborhood of Government Hill, we also get updates from the director of the port as well as from spokespeople at Alaska Railroad and Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson.

In addition to these, there are sometimes presentations from groups trying to garner support for various initiatives. At the November meeting, we saw a presentation from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on proposed changes within the Anchorage Bowl that included reduced speed limits, strengthened enforcement of traffic laws and improved street lighting. They were seeking a letter of resolution and the more of these they have, the more likely it is to come to fruition. A lot of ideas, good or bad, must make it past the community councils before they can get implemented. You can find yours here.

If you can spare a couple of hours per month, you can help implement the change you want to see, and you’ll meet a lot of really great people along the way. 

Daniel Sager lives in Anchorage, is chairman of the Alaska Republican Party’s District 18, and serves on the Anchorage Housing and Homelessness Neighborhood Development Commission (HHAND).