Episode 276: From Frustration to Civic Action
Welcome to Sunday Civics, where L. Joys go beyond the headlines, the doom and despair, to discuss civic engagement and taking action. Yes, there is a growing frustration with elected officials and the lack of visible leadership. But, she’s challenging us to reflect on our roles—are we waiting for leadership, or are we actively engaging, organizing, and holding officials accountable? If the public isn’t actively pushing for change, officials won’t feel the pressure to act. She highlights a recent example where grassroots organizers created a 24-hour State of the People event, demonstrating that true leadership comes from the people first, not from politicians.
L. Joy points out that frustration without action isn’t a strategy—it’s a delay tactic. She brings Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, to the front of the class who shares her journey into civic engagement, moving from frustration to action. Their discussion blends political insights with laughter, offering a much-needed balance of inspiration and joy.
Secretary Thomas shares her unconventional journey into politics, from a business owner frustrated by her representative’s voting record to running for office and ultimately becoming Connecticut’s first Black Secretary of State and the Vice Chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. She underscores that civic engagement has no age limit and encourages people to get involved at any stage of life.
Their discussion covers the critical role of secretaries of state in overseeing elections, ensuring fair access to voting, and fighting against restrictive policies like The Save Act, which could impose unnecessary barriers to voter registration. Secretary Thomas also highlights the importance of civic literacy, misinformation awareness, and engaging in democracy beyond just voting. In her capacity as Secretary of State, her office has created a The Power of Civics webpage to enlighten constituents on civics.
Throughout the interview, L. Joy and Secretary Thomas inject humor and camaraderie, underscoring their shared passion for civics and close by affirming that civic action is a continuous effort—change takes time, but progress is made when everyday people stay engaged.
Guest’s First Civic Action
Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas shares the story of her first significant civic action. Frustrated by her state representative's voting record, she took civic action and embarked on a journey of self-education and direct action by running for office herself. Despite losing their first election by a few hundred votes, she eventually won and went on to run and win for Secretary of the State.
Do Now
Evaluate your satisfaction with your elected officials—right now, not in the past.
If you're dissatisfied, what action will you take? Organizing? Pressuring officials? Running for office?
Make your voice heard. Call, email, or show up at public meetings. Complaints without action won’t drive change.
Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023. She made history as the first Black person to be elected Secretary of the State of Connecticut. This year, she also became Vice Chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service. Since taking office, Secretary Thomas has led the implementation of significant election reforms in the state, including the successful roll-out of early voting.