I've done both. I don't think local community building is worthless, it can be potent, but it really depends on what region we are talking and it requires you to stick around to build rapport. There are some places where its just a cultural wasteland of ignorant chuds and rightwing nutcases. And it only has of course a local impact. Its not on par with the importance of national politics.

As someone who essentially grew up lacking roots in any particular place and doesn't care for much of the people in my local area it also isn't really something I care to engage with anymore.

Other than the fact that I already work for a small local non-profit, though I've been seeking to get out of it as soon as possible as I kind of just don't believe in it as fully anymore after 2024. Private sector pays a lot better anyway. I'm going to start working for me, not a local community that seems to think I'm some kind of Leftist Autistic LGBT freak.

additionally what HalfSalesman@lemmy.world fails to realize is electoral compaigning isnt perfectly safe either, theres recent precedent of a politician putting up campaign signs being sexually assaulted. of political opponents being raided. of voters for whatever opposition party having their name and location information recorded if not openly accessible online for targeting. putting your name on a clipboard is insecure and opens you up to harmful actors, both those who scam you for your time and money and those who hate you because you voted "the other guy". meanwhile you dont have to put down any name or even have people know who you are for things like FnB, skill shares, mutual aid, etc. and the whole goal of other things like direct action often times is to never even be seen or noticed.