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"Activism is my rent for living on this planet," says Alice Walker, but too many of us are behind in our rent. For many (most?) Americans, the term "dissident" evokes images of a brave soul standing up to a Soviet-style totalitarian regime. But, contrary to our headlines and history books, a long, storied tradition of American dissent exists--and continues to this day. We don't need charismatic leaders; we need an informed populace, brimming with solidarity and ever ready to engage in passionate action based on some sort of unifying theory.
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Since the Internet has obviously impacted activist methods, some of the groups below are primarily web-based and thus more multi-state in nature. However, nothing will ever replace face-to-face communication, so there are also plenty of opportunities for you to walk in and say hello in person. With that in mind, I present a tiny--and I mean, tiny--sampling of what's out there. Just click on any state's name to find an activist or two lurking beneath.
The next step, as always, is up to you...
