Conventional wisdom rarely teaches candidates how to build lasting relationships with their constituents and enlist them in organizing to solve the problems in their communities. However, if we are to bring about the changes we need in our country, politicians must actively pursue a different model of constituent service and political engagement. It is possible for elected officials to actively engage their constituents on the issues of their district, to build the base for social change and to develop new leaders in the process. As they do this, elected officials and their staff create an infrastructure that not only assists constituents with their immediate problems, but also lays the foundation for long term organizing and change. This benefits the elected official as well as their constituents.
