State Representative Emily Dievendorf wants to change the political system

Entering the political arena means navigating an ever-changing landscape, and State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, hasn’t shied away from that. change.

Dievendorf, an MSU alumnus, is a formidable advocate for social and civic justice, with a career marked by her dedication to equality and representation.

Dievendorf’s career in politics was unexpected. While at MSU, where they studied social relations through James Madison College, they wrote a speech arguing that political positions limit one’s ability to effect systemic change. This perspective was shaped by their belief that real change often occurs outside the constraints of formal political roll.

However, after creating significant change through social justice and advocacy groups, Dievendorf felt compelled to work within the system to create the necessary reforms.

With nearly a decade of legislative experience, including a stint as chief of staff for a Saginaw legislator, Dievendorf joined Equality Michigan (EQMI), a statewide LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization. As a lobbyist and campaign operative, Dievendorf was committed to continuing to address racial justice within the context of LGBTQ+ rights. Their dedication helped EQMI take a more intersectional approach, integrating racial justice with LGBTQ+ advocacy. Dievendorf’s efforts at EQMI were marked by an unwavering commitment to lobbying for change, ensuring the organization’s mission was inclusive and extended.

However, after helping to create a groundswell of change outside the system through social justice and progress groups, Dievendorf felt the next step was to work within the system to create the change they saw. necessary.

During their years at EQMI, Dievendorf found security and joy in their work. They never expected to be on the threshold of politics again. However, Dievendorf felt that the democracy of the state was at stake and decided to do something about the.

“I came back because I wanted people to have confidence in their representation,” Dievendorf said. “I kept hearing people’s frustrations and I wanted to make sure their most basic needs were met. Met.”

Running for office came with many challenges, they said. Campaigning while living below the poverty line, Dievendorf worked tirelessly to secure campaign funds. They noted that these struggles only strengthened their determination and ambition, giving them the grit needed for a career in politics.

“Working in politics has been both rewarding and challenging,” Dievendorf said. “It has been difficult to explain the reasons why I joined in the first place. place.”

As a state representative, Dievendorf prioritizes helping those in need. Issues like criminal justice reform, the escalating homelessness crisis, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice are at the forefront of her agenda.

“I firmly believe that the people most affected by the “The hardest battle is faced by those who should be in the office helping us make decisions,” Dievendorf said.

To incorporate diverse perspectives into their policymaking process, Dievendorf uses innovative methods. This includes conducting interviews with organizations to gather opinions and needs, as well as engaging local residents during their daily routines to hear their stories. Dievendorf said their approach is focused on fostering a representative democracy in which they create space for those who have been marginalized by the political system. They are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the legislative process.

Ensuring sustainable change is of paramount importance to Dievendorf. They define sustainable change, taking all voices into account and balancing different viewpoints. Dievendorf emphasized that while initiating change can be simple, achieving long-lasting impact requires significant effort, both inside and outside the system.

A crucial aspect of this is educating and communicating with the public about problems and feasible solutions so that the population is aware and concerned.

“Sustainable change isn’t just about passing laws,” Dievendorf said. “It’s about creating a cultural shift that empowers those who laws.”

Looking ahead, Dievendorf’s focus remains on the needs of the community. They deliberately avoid focusing on their career path to prevent personal ambitions from overshadowing their legislative actions. With the remainder of their term, Dievendorf plans to continue dialogues with individuals inside and outside the system, and advocate for policies that connect with the community. desires.

“My role is to serve the people, not to advance my career,” says Dievendorf said.