Becoming politically active . . .

[BoobyJuice]

I've always voted (at least in the big elections). Go; vote; leave. That's the extent of my political life. What I've come to realize is that that is because up until 2000, the person I voted for won. Now I am horrified by that insideous moron running our country and feel compelled to do anything I can to get him out of office. I just don't know what to do.

So what does a busy mother of two young children do? I don't have much free time (although I do have some); I don't have much money; there isn't a dem candidate standing out for me yet (although I'm definitly of the ANYONE buy bush school of thought). I know this probably sounds foolish to those of you who are very active, but I really don't know where to begin. I just know something has to be done. Four more years of him and I'll probably be living in whatever county will still have an american.

[JessicaS]

If you go to the meet up website you can find different groups for different candidates and maybe find out if they are looking for help with anything.

It is tough to be involved with children but just a few hours a week can be effective.

I haven't actually been very involved with any candidates before but this year I volunteered for General Clark's campaign. I don't know how helpful I can be with a toddler but I am hoping I can be somewhat useful.

[AmyB]

The Move On website has action updates that will give you some ideas: http://www.moveon.org/

Also, call up your local Democratic party. Find out who your precinct chair is and give him/her a call to let them know you want to help.

You could volunteer to work for a candidate. Here are some of the things you could volunteer to do:

1. Distribute door hangers
2. Stuff envelopes
3. Phone banking
4. Register people to vote
5. Distribute lawn signs
6. Wear a t-shirt, put up a lawn sign, put a bumper sticker on your car expressing your political viewpoint (be ready to discuss this with people who agree or disagree with you).
7. Sit at at table at an event and pass out information, bumperstickers, buttons and so on
8. Write letters to the editor
9. Go to public meetings. Ask questions.
10. Honk & Wave (that's when a candidate stands by a busy street with a crowd of supporters)
11. Talk with or e-mail your friends and neighbors about your political opinions (this is how the Howard Dean campaign is generating such strong grassroots support).
12. Look on the Howard Dean website and find a local Dean meeting to go to. http://www.deanforamerica.com/
Even if you aren't sure your're for Dean, they are generating some geat activist ideas.

--AmyB