Be Bold Tool Box Strategy #6: 7 Ways to Make History in 15 Minutes a Week
(Thank you to American Promise for providing this Blog www.americanpromise.net)
May 8, 2019 by Susie Fagan
It may seem like an intimidating task to take on wealthy special interests, but Americans across the country are working together to claim their power in our democracy—and many hands make light work. The movement for the 28th Amendment is gaining momentum as Americans organize to restore the representative nature of government. Here are seven ways you can make a meaningful contribution in just 15 minutes a week.
The movement for the 28th Amendment will succeed thanks to concerned citizens working together across the nation toward a common cause: to take back their voice in the political system. Because big money in politics affects so many policy issues—from health care costs to business regulations to the national debt—we need Americans of all political stripes on board.
Take a look at the options below. In just 15 minutes a week, you can advocate for your policy concerns and make a meaningful contribution to the cause of our time—the citizen-led movement toward the greatest promise of our nation: equal representation for all, not just the wealthiest among us.
1) Stay up-to-date. An informed democracy is a powerful one. The first step in supporting the movement to get big money out of politics is to stay informed about the issue, the work of our citizen-led movement, and our successes and challenges. The weekly American Promise e-newsletter offers a curated collection of the latest news, events and progress, and is easy to read in 15 minutes. Sign up.
2) Contact your elected officials. A direct way to restore the representative nature of government is to engage in it. Spend 15 minutes reaching out to your elected officials—at the local, county or state level—asking if they’re concerned about big money in politics and sharing the solution of the 28th Amendment. Ask them to sign the American Promise Pledge affirming their support of the 28th Amendment. See who’s already signed here. Contacting your officials via phone, postcard or email is an easy way to build awareness. Use our tool to find and contact your elected officials.
3) Share your opinion. Writing a letter to the editor of the local newspaper remains an excellent way to build community conversation around an issue. The issue of big money in politics is timely. Consider referencing one of these major issues related to recent news stories in your letter: how the pharmaceutical industry uses lobbying money to keep drug prices high; elected officials’ “Washington high life”; or any other issue relevant to your community. Use our tool to find local papers to reach out to.
4) Weigh in on the amendment. The 28th Amendment to address big money in politics could include just one issue or an array of democracy reforms such as a constitutional right to vote, gerrymandering reform and Congressional term limits. American Promise’s Writing the 28th Program enables every American to participate in shaping what the amendment should do or say—take this poll to share your opinion on the issues to include and prioritize.
5) Bring a friend. The success of our grassroots movement depends on Americans spreading the word and connecting with one another. Invite family and friends to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and share the sign-up page to the American Promise newsletter.
6) Register to win. Enter to win a prize pack for you and a friend with the Empowerment Giveaway. Win 2 copies of the book Corporations Are Not People by American Promise President Jeff Clements, 2 American Promise hats, 2 Stamp Stampede money stamps and 5 American Promise bumper stickers.
7) Get involved locally. Citizen-led American Promise Associations build the success of our movement from state-to-state. Sign up to learn more about getting involved where you live. APAs build cross-partisan community ties and together make progress on a mission that’s bigger than political party. These groups across the nation successfully promote the 28th Amendment through local events, outreach, meetings with elected officials and more. Many APAs—including those in New Mexico and Minnesota—have helped pass local resolutions.
https://www.americanpromise.net/7-ways-to-make-history-in-15-minutes-a-week/
