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Black Lives Matter activistsare launching a new initiative to shift the movements focus to state capitols, theAssociated Press reports.

People who wish to become more politically involved have the potential of greaterinfluence at the state level, according to organizers.

As the Associated Press notes, Republicans currently hold 33 governors offices, as well as majorities in 33 legislatures. They also have control over the governors office and legislature in 25 states, giving state Republicans more room to shape laws surrounding abortion, taxes, gun rights, and more.

OurStates.orgillustratesa trend of Democrats and left-leaning groups placing their eye onstatehouses.

From Associated Press:

Despite the movements national presence, it has not concentrated on engaging and resisting what state legislatures are doing to essentially implement the same agenda, said Sam Sinyangwe, a data scientist with the project. If we dont engage on the state level, many of the same rights were fighting to protect will be restricted at the local level anyway.

Users visiting the site can choose categories and click on states to learn more about pending legislation. It has a guide for influencing lawmakers, directing people to ask for in-person meetings, present specific demands and track the progress of legislation. The site also suggests conducting protests in lawmakers offices to apply pressure and get their attention.

Brian Robinson, Republican strategist and former assistant chief of staff for Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, says Black Lives Matteractivists could make inroads with GOP lawmakers, depending onhow they go about it.

If the goals are partisan, hot-button issues, the outcome is going to be no political or policy progress,Robinson said. If Republicans are approached in a respectable manner on issues that could have bipartisan consensus, they can make headway, but theyve got to be civil.

He also noted that activists must be serious and have doable, incremental goals. If what they want to do is demonize Republican leaders theyll be ignored.

SOURCE: Associated Press

SEE ALSO:

Black Lives Matter V. Trump: Whats Next?

White Bodies Protesting In The Age Of Trump

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