How to take action at your pace

Congratulations, you've made it to the action part of this guide!

This is where you take your knowledge and apply it.

Before you start, an important part of taking action is knowing what's going on at any given point in time. That's where local news can be a big help (brace for a quick sales pitch and then we'll go back to the content, promise!).

• Sioux Falls Simplified members can get exclusive access to our "what to watch this week" emails outlining upcoming public meetings.
• And, while election season is still a ways away, members get to send in questions before our interviews with local candidates to help shape our election guides.
• Sioux Falls Simplified members also get exclusive access to a quiz you can take to help you discern what facets of local government might most align with your interests.
  • Sign up using promo code IMCOOL and get 50% off your subscription. Once you're subscribed, I'll send you a link to the quiz.

Let's say you just want to start attending local government meetings more often:

• What do you bring? What do you say? How can you make your opinion/experience known?

First, let's talk what you bring to a meeting:

• Yourself (obviously)
• A notebook and writing utensil
• A copy of the agenda (usually you can pick one up at at the meeting)
• OPTIONAL: your emotional support water bottle, a snack, your bag, etc.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to speak:

• Sign in before the meeting.
• Have some talking points prepared. Your time is limited, so jot down your main thoughts and ideas before going up to speak.
• If you want to give the council members a presentation at the end of the meeting, like a PowerPoint or brochure, send these materials to the City Clerk's office at least two days before the meeting.

Okay, so you've done all these things and showed up... Now what? Remember to:

• State your name clearly before you start talking. If you forget, someone will remind you. You may also be asked to state your address or use it to sign in before the meeting.
• Pull up or hand out your presentation materials (if applicable).
• Keep cool, calm and collected throughout your speech.
• Know that you likely won't get a response. Councilors, board members, commissioners, etc. can't speak to items that aren't listed on the publicly posted meeting agenda, and while they do hear you, they won't react or respond while you're talking to maintain professionalism and keep things on track. It's weird and a little awkward, but it's the way local government works.

For this section, let's focus on the basics of running for school board, county commission and city council. A word of encouragement- sometimes it feels like people with money and power are the only ones who can run or be elected, but having the community behind you is a powerful asset.

So with that in mind, let's dive right in...

School Board

The year before an election, the Sioux Falls School District will post the application materials and deadlines on their website. You can collect the required signatures and mail the application your county auditor. After that, it's up to you.

• Here's some advice from a current school board member about what to think about before you run:
  • Learn the basics for how the school system works and how it interacts with various community partners.
• Be prepared to collaborate with multiple educational systems (higher education, for example).
• Learn to be comfortable visiting places that your vote would impact – the knocking doors, shaking hands, kissing babies bit of politics.
• Track your spending – you'll have to disclose publicly all of the money you receive and spend on your campaign via campaign finance forms.
• And, of course, be informed and ready to articulate what you would bring to the table.

County Commission

• To run for the county commission, you must:
  • Fill out a nominating petition and get the required amount of signatures.
  • Track your spending – you'll have to disclose publicly all of the money you receive and spend on your campaign via campaign finance forms.
  • Keep an eye on the deadlines announced by the state.
• Remember, those running for the county commission run through political parties and go through a primary election.

City Council

• Submit a statement of organization. This document lists any organizations or businesses you're part of that might be a conflict of interest.
• Fill out a nominating petition and get the required amount of signatures.
• Track your spending – you'll have to disclose publicly all of the money you receive and spend on your campaign via regular campaign finance forms.
• If you have any questions, be sure to contact the City Clerk's office.

Sioux Falls Simplified regularly shares stories about what's going on with the city, counties and schools – as well as cool stuff your neighbors are doing, local nonprofits and other people working to make our city better day in and day out.

• Sioux Falls Simplified also has an ever-evolving collection of community resources over on our Instagram page.

If you're looking for other ways to get involved, see if you can join/start a neighborhood association.

Want more Sioux Falls 101? Learn more here: