MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change - Softcover

MoveOn.org

Softcover

ISBN 10: 193072229X ISBN 13: 9781930722293

Publisher: New World Library, 2004

Synopsis

When two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs launched MoveOn.org in 1998, they had no idea that they would be hailed as powerful and influential political activists or grow their online advocacy group to 2 million members in just a few years. Their simple mission—fueled by passion for a more open and democratic nation, topnotch and timely information, and the financial support of concerned individuals and organizations—was to jumpstart broad civic dialogue and enable ordinary citizens to effectively voice their political concerns.

In the spirit of simplicity and empowering the citizen, this book is an essential "how to" for becoming politically informed and involved. In this handbook for change, MoveOn members from around the country have written about what it means to be a responsible member of a democracy—what they have done in the past and what they are now doing to help make the United States more accountable, forward thinking, and a better place to live.

The 50 Ways range from simple ideas, such as "Tell a Friend about a Petition" to more dynamic suggestions, such as "Organize a Constituent Meeting," and the editors at MoveOn provided action items and resources for those who want to take inspiration a step further.

About this title

Review:

It's somewhat rare to see an entire grassroots political organization listed as the author of a book but it's perfectly in keeping with the spirit of both MoveOn.org and this handbook on civic activism authored by some of the group's members. It features 50 short chapters (one or two pages each in most cases) authored by non-celebrities from all walks of life who took it upon themselves to change the world. Some of the ideas are ambitious, as in the case of a liberal-minded Texan who decided the best way to make his views known was to run against Republican stalwart Tom DeLay in the GOP primary. Others are much simpler: write a letter to the editor, sign a petition, or go to a rally. But even in those seemingly obvious tactics, there are interesting techniques offered that could make a simple act a much more effective one. Included in each tip are bullet-pointed tips from MoveOn organizers to help the reader translate the idea into real action. While MoveOn is certainly not the first group to suggest simple steps to change the world, this volume scores points for it's concise editing and populist authorship. It's not a book to curl up with in front of the fire, it's meant to be thrown into a backpack or purse on the way to the next protest, campaign rally, or discussion group. The slant, like the organization itself, is a liberal one but the writers generally stop short of expanding on their political beliefs, choosing instead to focus on what those beliefs inspired them to do with their time and energy. Brief interstitial essays by notables such as Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi introduce sections of the book, providing expert gravity without detracting from the common person message. --John Moe

From the Publisher:

"I am deeply grateful for MoveOn, and everything they do, including this wonderful book." --Anne Lamott, bestselling author of "Blue Shoe," "Bird by Bird," and "Operating Instructions"

"MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country" is a user-friendly How-To guide for fixing our broken democracy. Both nuts-and-bolts practical and deeply personal, this book is political Viagra for anyone tired of feeling hopeless, helpless, and impotent in the face of our Big Money/Big Media-controlled political system." --Arianna Huffington, syndicated columnist and author of "Fanatics and Fools: The Game Plan for Winning Back America"

"Cesar Chavez once said the organizer's job is to help ordinary people do extraordinary things. Involving masses of people in a movement to right wrongs and change government policy is what democracy is all about. No one in is doing it better today in America than Moveon.org. MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country is a vital primer for every activist interested in progressive social change." --Arturo S. Rodriguez, President United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO

About this edition

• Publisher: New World Library
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 193072229X
• ISBN 13: 9781930722293
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144