Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to use the internet to gain greater influence in the political process. Currently this internet activism guide is geared toward politics at the national level. In time we hope to put together similar guides and information resources to all levels of government (national, state, and local), but for now we just have this national guide.  STEP 1 -- Find out who your elected officials are through the Lookup Representatives pageon the House of Representatives website and through the Directory of Senators by State page on the Senate website.STEP 2 -- Find out how to contact your elected officials at the Contacting the Congress website.STEP 3 -- Learn how your elected officials vote(d) on key issues and legislation using Vote Smart Web's Voting Data or at America's Active Political Community - Votenet or at ACLU National Freedom Scorecard.STEP 4 -- Once you have determined whether you agree or disagree with your Representative's or Senator's stances on these issues and legislation, let them know by writing or e-mailing them. But first visit the ACLU's Tips On Writing Your Elected Officials page for good advice on how to put your thoughts into the strongest possible statement.STEP 5 -- To learn about what's going on in Congress, what issues are pending, what is being studied in Committees, etc., visit THOMAS: Legislative Information on the Internet. and Congress.org.STEP 6 -- If you are unsure if pending legislation is un-Constitutional, use the THOMAS page to Search The Constitution of the United States and you might get your answer.STEP 7 -- If you feel that your elected officials are not representing your interests, then vote the bastards out. Just visit Congress.Org to get voter registration information sent directly to you.STEP 8 -- Registering is only half the battle because so many candidates of both parties have shown a willingness in their voting records to ignore even the most basic Constutional rights of the citizens of this country. Next you must become an educated, well-informed voter so that you gain the knowledge you will need to (hopefully) choose the best candidate available. In addition to the resources listed in the steps above, we strongly recommend you visit these sites to help you educate yourself:Freedom Channel -- American Politics on Demand Vote Smart Web STEP 9 -- Check out our Political Parties links to educate yourself in greater detail as to the choices you have in the electoral process. Remember, over 90% of all current elected officials voted FOR the Communications Decency Act to crush free speech on the net. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans (save for a select few), respect your First Amendment rights. It's time to find a party that does!STEP 10--Check out all the other useful political sites in our Activist links section. |
|---|