The One-Hour Activist

No matter what your political persuasion, The One-Hour Activist is your guide to influencing lawmakers, candidates, and reporters. The One-Hour Activist reveals fifteen powerful, proven grassroots actions that persuade lawmakers and candidates to see things your way. Each action is designed to grab the attention of your representatives and build relationships that serve your issues over the long run. And each action takes less than an hour to complete, so you can make a difference without giving up your life! The One-Hour Activist is packed with insider advice from elected officials, professional organizers, lobbyists, and journalists who share state-of-the-art tips for getting your message across. Real-life examples of effective letters, e-mail, phone calls, public testimony, and news story pitches from concerned citizens just like you illustrate the actions.

No matter what your political persuasion, The One-Hour Activist is your guide to influencing lawmakers, candidates, and reporters. The One-Hour Activist reveals fifteen powerful, proven grassroots actions that persuade lawmakers and candidates to see things your way. Each action is designed to grab the attention of your representatives and build relationships that serve your issues over the long run. And each action takes less than an hour to complete, so you can make a difference without giving up your life! The One-Hour Activist is packed with insider advice from elected officials, professional organizers, lobbyists, and journalists who share state-of-the-art tips for getting your message across. Real-life examples of effective letters, e-mail, phone calls, public testimony, and news story pitches from concerned citizens just like you illustrate the actions.

Preface ixAcknowledgments xvThe Author xviiIntroduction: Democracy in Action xixPart One: Gather Information and Strategize 1ACTION 1 Learn How Grassroots Advocacy Works 3ACTION 2 Pick Your Issues and Your Angle 17ACTION 3 Identify Your Representatives 31ACTION 4 Join an Interest Group 45ACTION 5 Create a Legislative Agenda 53ACTION 6 Analyze a Bill 61ACTION 7 Conduct Opposition Research 73Part Two: Contact Your Elected Officials 83ACTION 8 Write an Effective Letter 85ACTION 9 Send a Powerful E-Mail 97ACTION 10 Make a Compelling Phone Call 105ACTION 11 Persuade Others to Act 113Part Three: Get Involved with Elections 119ACTION 12 Get Out the Vote 121ACTION 13 Contribute Money to Candidates Who Support Your Cause 131Part Four: Work the News Media 143ACTION 14 Start a Press Clippings File 145ACTION 15 Write a Letter to the Editor 151Part Five: Super-Powerful Actions That 159 Take a Little More TimeACTION 16 Have a Face-to-Face Meeting with Your Representative 161ACTION 17 Testify at a Public Hearing 175ACTION 18 Participate in a Protest 185ACTION 19 Volunteer for a Political Campaign 193ACTION 20 Pitch a News Story or Interview 199It's Time for Action! 211