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.
Table of Content
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
About the author
Christopher Kush is a nationally known grassroots advocacy expert. He has trained thousands of advocates to fight in a variety of issue areas. As president of Soapbox Consulting, he has created training seminars and Lobby Days for many national associations including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, and the American Psychological Association.
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