Mary Doria Russell Quotes

I'd rather vote for something I want and not get it than vote for something I don't want, and get it.

I am determined to be a first class citizen.

I know that my voice and my vote matter and that I can help shape the outcome of events that I care deeply about.

I remember being 18 and being fed up with everything - fed up with society, fed up with the political system, fed up with myself - and then you kind of go, 'Actually, this voting thing is amazing,' because you have a chance to change it, right?

I like to bring my kids to the voting booth to show them how it works. I'll let them draw their own conclusions as to how worthwhile it is.

If you are conscious and really want change in this world, and you don't vote, then what was all the fighting for? All the things our parents and our parents' parents fought for?

We need to get better at voting and be a voice for the people who do not have one.

Voting isn't the most we can do. But it is the least.

I want people to start getting involved in voting for the Senate, Congress and local elections. I just want to see us get involved more in the political process especially when you see things like police brutality going on and different people complaining about the sheriffs whether it's in Ferguson or Missouri.

You can complain about problems, and you can suffer from the ramifications of issues that are social in nature and impact you, but the best thing you can do is get off your couch, get out of your home and go do something about it.

I'm thankful to be in a position in my career where I can advocate for better policies and partner with future generations, like my daughters, to be a voice for change.

We are in a world where people are understanding that athletes and entertainers are citizens too. Some of us want to leverage our platform for good, and I want to be someone who is thoughtful and real about trying to influence people in a way that will lead to healthier communities and a better nation.

If I had the day off and knew everyone else was voting, I wouldn't miss it. It would become a routine part of my responsibility as a citizen - like paying taxes, only less soul crushing.

To me I think leadership is activism. It's giving back to your community, it's investing in oneself, and you know women and children.

Don't be afraid - if you don't exercise your rights, you will lose them.

Get out there and vote like your lives depend on it.

Whether that be starting conversations about environmental conservation or taking part in being a voice for people who don't have a voice, I just want to help people however I can.

Find an issue that's important to you, and be as curious and close to it as possible.

Every person has the ability to influence change. I am grateful that my voice counts, and I am able to influence change. But more than that, there is a certain amount of activism that is engrained in me.

I try to use my influence and empower my community to always question the status quo - whether it relates to broader policy issues or YouTube gossip.

My mother said, 'Did you ever believe you would be an activist?' I said, 'No, not really.' But I just felt in my heart that I needed to step up and be a leader in the forefront.

Being a voice for my community is something that I don't take lightly.

Arianna Huffington is one of the greatest champions of this idea - that anyone can make a difference.

You might not be a big fan of politics, but you can still participate. All you need to do is vote for people you believe will work on these issues, and if they don't work the way they should, then it is your responsibility to call them, organize a town hall, and demand that they show up - hold them accountable.

We're told, 'If you want to change the world, vote.' And really, if you want to change the world, there's a lot more things that you can do.