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.

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