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Citizenship for Dummies: MoveOn.Org

I’m a very busy person. I work three jobs, usually seven days a week. Luckily two of those jobs are as a teacher and writer, and I can vent my political activism through those channels. For those not lucky enough to be on the sidelines as I am, MoveOn.org is a great way to help make change with minimal effort.

To join MoveOn.org, you simply go to their website and subscribe. It’s that easy. From that point on, just read your e-mail and when applicable, follow the instructions.

MoveOn supports a variety of progressive causes and candidates. By simply reading the e-mails, I keep current with just about everything a good progressive needs to know. I’m a National Public Radio junkie, and try to keep up with current events, but certain things escape me even with the so-called “liberal” slant NPR and other national media purvey.

Being aware of problems is only half the battle though. MoveOn allows members to electronically sign petitions they feel strongly about. This usually involves about one minute of extra time. For those people with ten or so minutes to spare, there are opportunities to e-mail politicians and the press. MoveOn practically writes the letters for you, leaving spaces to put your personal thoughts and commentary.

Make no mistake about it; MoveOn is in the business of raising money. They make LOTS of money for progressive candidates and issues and the bulk of it comes from members. Unlike the $1,000 a plate GOP fundraiser to re-elect my local Representative to Congress, Randy Kuhl, (R-NY) MoveOn solicits as little or as much as members can afford. I don’t have a lot to give, but I’m just as welcome at MoveOn’s table as those that do.

I’m sure MoveOn had a huge financial and tactical impact on this year’s Congressional elections. As the election neared, MoveOn coordinated the organization of local house parties where participants made phone calls and wrote letters encouraging people to vote for progressive candidates.

When I’m able to participate in these activities, they allow me to tap into a social network of like-minded people that I’ll enjoy hanging out with that I wouldn’t find through any other means. Working three jobs doesn’t allow much time for a social life but when I finally get time for a real life I know where to go.

Technorati Tags: progressive causes, National Public Radio, GOP, Randy Kuhl