Britt Craine Brady and her family in Washington D.C. (Photo courtesy of Britt Craine Brady)

Post-Women’s March, some people are exercising their invigorated citizenship with boycotts and demonstrations.

But not Kelli Becker Wegener.

She’s using the inspiration she gathered in Chicago to fuel her campaign for Nunda Township Trustee.

Wegener is one of a team of Democrats running for seats on the township board, along with Nan Kueller, Lori McConville, John Drager, and Cheryl Voss.

Other people, like Crystal Lake’s Britt Craine Brady, take an issue-by-issue approach. Brady works from home as a Senior Content Specialist at Northwest Evaluation Association. Her passion is education.

Wegener was among the people who traveled to Chicago on the four buses from Crystal Lake on Jan. 21.

Britt Craine Brady with her youngest daughter, Stella. (Photo courtesy of Britt Craine Brady)

“My church is my inspiration for activism,” she said. She is the financial administrator for First Congregational church in Crystal Lake. Brady planned a family trip to Washington based on their attendance at the March.

Wegener took three words from the Women’s March: Connect, Protect, and Activate.

Residents have a variety of ways to connect, both physically and virtually.

“I make a conscious effort to be aware of the issues and try to connect with like-minded people,” said Brady. “I’m also calling and emailing elected officials to make sure my voice is heard. The March showed me how powerful we are when we come together for a cause.”

Wegener and Brady both use social media, such as Facebook, to connect with others. Wegener is part of Facebook groups such as McHenry Country Democratic Women, Nunda Township Dems, and Action for a Better Tomorrow. These sites post meetings, rallies, and activities that further specific causes like global warming, women’s rights, immigration, and LGBT issues. Newspapers publish local events, which can often be accessed online or via text alerts. Other meeting vehicles like Meetup.com and Eventbrite.com help individuals connect with like-minded people.

By protect, Wegener means respect each other’s opinions, and create an environment where people feel comfortable.

This picture is of the team running for Nunda Township seats. Nan is in the middle and Kelli is second from the right.

“Everyone is so angry. It’s divisive,” she said. “We need to listen to each other. Most of us don’t want to be in chaos.”

Wegener said it’s important to activate.

“Call representatives, help people get out and vote, write letters, and talk to other people,” said Wegener.

Kueller, a 13-year resident of Nunda township, is no stranger to politics. She was part of State Rep. Jack Franks staff and continues to do odd jobs for him as Chairman of the McHenry County Board. She hopes her next step is as a Department of Health representative. She marched because, she was worried about religious freedom.

“The Muslim rhetoric frightened me.”

She encourages people to stay energized.

“Use your wallet to support the businesses and organizations that match your passion,” she said. “Join the groups you believe in. Volunteer your time.”

For Nunda Township, Kueller hopes to concentrate on roads, schools, water quality, and taxes reduction.

“I love this community,” she said. “It’s important to focus on the positive.

All three women want to hold on to the positive and motivating energy they experienced at the Women’s March. Kueller advises people to try to keep it positive. Try to make a difference. Find a way to do good, put your nose down and work hard, and it will happen.”