The One-Hour Activist: The 15 Most Powerful Actions You Can Take to Fight for the Issues and Candidates You Care About

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xv

The Author xvii

Introduction: Democracy in Action xix

Part One: Gather Information and Strategize 1

ACTION 1 Learn How Grassroots Advocacy Works 3

ACTION 2 Pick Your Issues and Your Angle 17

ACTION 3 Identify Your Representatives 31

ACTION 4 Join an Interest Group 45

ACTION 5 Create a Legislative Agenda 53

ACTION 6 Analyze a Bill 61

ACTION 7 Conduct Opposition Research 73

Part Two: Contact Your Elected Officials 83

ACTION 8 Write an Effective Letter 85

ACTION 9 Send a Powerful E-Mail 97

ACTION 10 Make a Compelling Phone Call 105

ACTION 11 Persuade Others to Act 113

Part Three: Get Involved with Elections 119

ACTION 12 Get Out the Vote 121

ACTION 13 Contribute Money to Candidates Who Support Your Cause 131

Part Four: Work the News Media 143

ACTION 14 Start a Press Clippings File 145

ACTION 15 Write a Letter to the Editor 151

Part Five: Super-Powerful Actions That 159 Take a Little More Time

ACTION 16 Have a Face-to-Face Meeting with Your Representative 161

ACTION 17 Testify at a Public Hearing 175

ACTION 18 Participate in a Protest 185

ACTION 19 Volunteer for a Political Campaign 193

ACTION 20 Pitch a News Story or Interview 199

It’s Time for Action! 211