But in the US no one believes they can meaningfully influence govt for real issues. And they are right.
Sure you can get them to paint a rainbow zebra crossing. /s
But not stop/prevent a (civil) war. Democracy dies and lobbyism (what we call corruption in "modern western democracies" -- because we dont do corruption, that's for poor countries!) takes over when the power is consolidated at a high enough level.
As a vegan I want to deter people from working in slaughter houses etc. I feel it's urgent. But they make their living.
As an intactivist I want people to stop genital mutilation of minors: both male and female. I feel it's urgent. But those baby cutting doctors and "priests" make their living.
That's why it is so easy to make a war when people are hungry. You need little money to convince them to turn to the dark side.