The word “grassroots” is thrown around these days like an incantation to infuse your cause with the seeds of victory.

Political pundits seem contractually bound to utter that word as often as possible.

That’s all show, the circus that has become our politics.

But if you want to experience real grassroots, attend a precinct caucus tonight.

The leaders of Minnesota’s two major parties — Democratic-Farmer Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin and Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan even penned a statement urging people to go.

“Precinct caucuses allow for democracy from the grass roots,” they wrote. “Gathered in school gymnasiums, local community centers and town halls, Minnesotans across the state will come together with their neighbors and set the course for our parties in this pivotal election. Caucuses guarantee that everyday Minnesotans drive our parties — so stand up, be counted, and make your voice heard on Feb. 6.”

A key line in there is about “everyday” Minnesotans driving the parties. For too long, the parties have been guided by too few people. It’s led to zealotry and politics of personality and destruction.

We need many people with sense to take control of the grassroots; people interested in fair and effective governance; people who will talk to each other, listen to each other and get the darn job done.

For the Republicans, residents of eastern Mower County will caucus at 7 p.m. tonight at Grand Meadow School, which is on Highway 16. The townships included are Bennington, Clayton, Dexter, Frankford, Grand Meadow, LeRoy, Lodi, Marshall, Pleasant Valley, Racine and Sargeant, and the cities of Dexter, Elkton, Grand Meadow, LeRoy Racine, Sargeant and Taopi.

Brian Thiel will convene the caucuses and can be reached at 507-598-0216 or 507 219-1774.

Residents of western Mower County are invited to attend the Republican caucus at Ellis Middle School, 1700 Fourth Ave. SE, Austin. The townships included are Adams, Austin, Lansing, Lyle, Nevada, Red Rock, Udolpho, Waltham and Windom. The cities included are Adams, Austin, Brownsdale, Lyle, Mapleview, Rose Creek and Waltham.

Dennis Schminke will convene these caucuses and can be reached at 507-437-7019 or 507-219-1299.

The Mower County Democratic-Farmer-Labor  Party will be at Riverland Community College in the West Building cafeteria. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and caucusing begins at 7 p.m. Among other caucus business, participants will take part in a gubernatorial preference ballot.

Interested parties many contact Penny Skauge at 507-438-3232 or mowercountydfl@gmail.com.

While caucuses may sound “mysterious” Martin and Carnahan wrote, they “are quite simple.”

“They are neighborhood-level meetings that each political party holds early in an election year,” they wrote. “Neighbors gather to begin endorsing candidates, electing delegates and debating resolutions to shape the party platform.”

And the most important thing they wrote was: “You will impact the direction of your party just by showing up.”