Falling turnout, rising populism, constant lack of interest: the knees of cheering Europeans are trembling. At the last election in 2014, only 42.61% of EU citizens went to the polls. More than half of the population takes freedom of movement, the single market, security, educational opportunities, and much more for granted. More than half of the population saw no need to bother drawing one cross in five years. Brexit has shown us clearly what abstention can lead to. Luckily, there are numerous grassroots movements and institutional projects which have activated across the continent to convince citizens to go vote this coming May. But what if you live on a mountain top in the Alps, high up in Lapland or a remote Greek island, and don’t have the ? Here are a 9 suggestions that anyone can easily implement.
For the brain – provide information
Schools: Contact your childhood school and hold a talk to the students. Ask the, about their ideas on Europe and the EU, and explain to them how the European Parliament elections work. Adults can be reached indirectly through their children, like the Fridays for Future demonstrations have shown us.
Debates: You identify as European? And you don’t? Great! How about organizing a debate between local politicians from different parties and citizen of all ages in your city? Let them have a heated discussion about current issues, how they would build up their ideal European Union or why they don’t have time for that nonsense. Remember: the grumpier, the better.
Stands: Put up a table in a well frequented street with a banner and people will come by themselves. Once you have their attention, ask them whether they intend to vote in the elections, and give them a flyer, a pin, or any other freebie – your closest EU representation can help provide all the materials you’ll need.
Cultural institutions: Is there an Instituto Cervantes or a Finnish Institute nearby? Are they informing their followers – most of them expats – how to register? Are there any Europe-related events coming up? Would they offer you the opportunity to host an information evening in their venues? Get in touch with them, and you’ll be surprised at how willing they might be to help you host an event or share know-how.
For the heart – address emotions
Local Europeans: The football club, the Italian restaurant, the bartender in that one Irish pub. Ask them to upload an individual statement regarding the upcoming election. But be sure that they underline why they can live and work in another country and that not everything is perfect, but just those that vote can make a change.
Tell your story: Have you undertaken an Erasmus experience which changed you? Did you travel to another EU country and find love? Has the EU helped you achieve your dreams or made your life easier? Share your story! Social media is a great way to reach friends and family, but if you are ambitious you can also find an organisation, youth group, magazine or other way to communicate your experience. Not to toot our own horn, but we at My Country? Europe. are always open for article or audiovisual submissions – if you’d like to share your thoughts on the European elections or the EU, head over to our submissions page!
Newspapers: Oh, there are so many opportunities. The journalists can either plan a bigger project (e.g. portraying every candidate, inform when, why and how to vote), write a shorter opinion article, or just go to the streets and ask locals what the EU means to them or what changes they would like to see. Don’t underestimate the power of local media – you will reach a different group of people without any algorithm or filter to warp your message. Social media is for beginners, but you are better than that.
Radio stations: This can be fun too. On the radio, one can easily work with languages, play pop, rock and folk songs from every country, or let people tell funny stories about their last holiday in an EU-country. Who are those people listening to radio? Right, those that are stuck in a traffic jam and need entertainment while they are waiting for traffic news. Do these people a favour and contact your radio DJs of trust.
For the stomach – explore Europe
Free chocolate: Walk around your town with a sign saying “free chocolate” and photos of Jean-Claude Juncker, Federica Mogherini, Robert Schuman, or any other European political figure. Ask people if they can put a name to the faces and if their answer is correct, they get a free piece of chocolate. If the answer is not correct or if they don’t know, tell them who they are, encourage them to get informed for the election, and then give a free piece of chocolate. Don’t exclude anyone or belittle them for their lack of knowledge, you’re there to help.
Street food: Europe is more than just pizza, baguettes and schnitzel. Grab a group of friends and organize a little street food market that offers also the Scandinavian, Eastern European and Baltic cuisine – showcase the variety of EU cultures and cuisines. Hang up information about these countries, how the EU brings them all closer together, and the election. The food can be heavy in the stomach, but the election will be in the mind.
Some final tips
It can be helpful to set up an e-mail account that you only use for your personal campaign. Your private account might not be taken as seriously. Create a template with your personal statement: who are you? Why do you campaign for the election? Why is it relevant to the people you are reaching out to? Maybe you can even combine brain with the heart: write your own article about your actions and ask local newspapers to publish it.
Secondly, don’t shy away from showcasing critical statements or opinions about the EU. It doesn’t matter who you will be voting for in the elections – you vote is valid and necessary. Be sure not to exclude people based on their party affiliation either.
All in all, never hesitate to be creative, outgoing, or even annoying. Europe is also your home. You can either do what you have to do to convince people to take part in democratic change, or you can sit on the sidelines and watch the EU crumble. It’s up to you.
