Seven Things Every U.S. Citizen Can Do To Affect Change
There are things you can do to even the playing field.
I enjoy interacting with people. I seek out those who are different from me to learn about them and the differences between us. People are the driving force behind Killing The Breeze and everyday I find myself continually amazed by what they do and say.
Seven Things Every U.S. Citizen Can Do
In the U.S., we have always had a society where the general public, because of divergent opinions and beliefs, has always disagreed on a myriad of subjects. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to remedy or redress any grievance people have had. The tactics listed below are not always immediately effective, but call it a basic playbook of the options that you, United States citizen, have to correct issues you think are wrong.
Contact Your Elected Officials
Call, email, Facebook, tweet your elected official daily. Contact them until you establish a rapport with multiple members of their office. They will remember you.
Contact Their Opponent(s)
Mention you’re a supporter of elected official X, but his stance on issue Y is unacceptable. This will allow you to gauge who shares your views to see how much backing you actually have.
Web and Social Media
There are internet and social media groups for every cause célèbre. Seek out those with whom you agree and setup online petitions or even organize in person based on location and shared vision.
Boycott
Problems don’t become real to many in power until there is an economic impact. Find out which corporations and businesses support/don’t support the issue(s) of import to you and affect change with your purchasing power.
The following suggestions are for those with the financial means to do it:
Campaign Donations
Less than 1% of Americans make campaign donations. Lawmakers respond to the money and want to know why you have stopped contributing and conversely what would make you continue to financially support to their campaigns. This also includes starting PACs.
Run For Office
Issues that are important enough can be the launching points of political campaigns. You’d be surprised at those within your own network who would support your run based on the passion you have for a particular cause and the organization that can follow as a result.
Litigation
U.S. history is littered with major social and political movements that gain strength through the court system. The Constitution has always been open to interpretation. There will be a lawyer to argue your cause if for no reason other than the publicity it may bring to a cause they too believe in.
It’s very easy to slip into a cynical pattern with reflexive pessimism and disdain towards those who disagree with you on issues in our federal republic and constitutional representative democracy. What’s critical is to recognize that these seven things mean you have the power to change the landscape. Yes it will be hard and the dollar reigns supreme in City Hall and DC; however, the system only works because we the people allow it to work. You may be angry and upset. That’s good, but what are you going to do about it and when? Here are seven things you can do right now.
