Coming off an election year, it has been hard to miss news stories lamenting low voter turnout and disenchantment with the political process. Americans – including Oklahomans – report numerous explanations deterring a visit to the ballot box, from busy schedules to a feeling every vote doesn’t make a difference, to other obstacles. Late last year, multiple news outlets reported Oklahoma experienced among the lowest voter turnout numbers in the nation. Decreasing voter turnout is a weighty matter in itself that must be addressed, as voting for elected officials, of course, is a cornerstone of the democratic process. However, voter turnout can also serve as a key measure in engagement in public policy as a whole, and there are so many other important ways in addition to voting that we can – and should – make our voices heard. In Oklahoma, legislative session is well underway at the State Capitol. The process where a bill becomes a law can seem daunting, but in reality, it all works best when more of us bring our unique perspectives and let our elected officials know what’s important to the Oklahomans, they dedicate their time and talents to serve. At the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, we just organized our annual Nonprofit Advocacy Day at the Capitol, during which time more than 100 nonprofit professionals from across the state joined with us to help inform and educate legislators not only on issues important to the nonprofit sector but also particular causes, from food security, to child advocacy, to women’s health, to post-incarceration rehabilitation, to animal welfare and much more. Participants ranged from individuals who had never before visited the State Capitol to seasoned advocates (and everything in between). These nonprofit leaders shared their passion and – very importantly – their expertise with the legislators who work on the issues important to them. After all, just like the rest of us, legislators may be extremely knowledgeable in their own fields of agriculture, banking, education, and so on – but no one person can be an expert on everything. So, legislators depend on authorities in their fields for education so they can make the best possible decisions while voting on bills at the Capitol. This is where we all come in! Just like each of us can make a difference at the ballot box, we can make a difference by sharing our opinions and expertise with our elected officials. But we must be present to win. If you feel a certain way about a given issue – or, even better, a specific piece of legislation – pick up the phone, send an email or schedule a meeting with your state legislators. If there is a particular cause or issue that is important to you, and you’d like to learn how you can make your voice heard by lawmakers, it’s also a great idea to reach out to an Oklahoma nonprofit working in that space. These nonprofits are likely following the topic and can provide information as well as ways to get involved and make your voice heard.