Look into a Precinct Committemen in your state of IL. Start at bottom, and work your way up while figuring out what sketchy people are around, that will likely be in the high 90%ile. Learn your allies, spread truth. Be someone people look up to instead of 'i'm just like you' schmoozers. Don't cave and adapt when you are wrong.
I'm not done yet. Always remain humble, and most importantly LISTEN. It's still a republic.
Okay that's fine Mr. 8 posts on this bread. Pretend this is a research board now and practice by lurking moar … yw.