Me and my fellow local activists!
Jessica Root
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With a new President in office and an administration with great, green plans in mind, it’s tempting to want to sit back on our behinds and think that all is safe and sustainably secure.
If only that were the case!
As memories of my middle school social studies teachers remind me—a democratic government isn’t democratic unless the citizens come together to help drive new policy and change. And for the first time in my lifetime, I finally feel like I have a President who is turning towards us, the people for council.
Obama’s even issued a call to action and is quoted saying, “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours.”
If we’re really going to take his advice to heart, we all have to collectively come together and trust that our voices and opinions actually matter—and also realize the potential of community action.
One place to start is the website my.barackobama.com. It’s an interactive site from the Obama campaign that offers online tools to organize locally and discuss the issues that matter to you most, with other engaged community members. By simply plugging in your zip code, you can either host or find an event in or around your neighborhood.
I hosted an event back in December and it ended up being a great success. We discussed issues that we all cared deeply about like renewable energy, food policy, foreign policy and education. After ranking them in the order of importance, the host (who in this case, was me) then submits them to the new administration via the website.
If you find yourself with little time to write letters or make phone calls to your state representatives—this is a simple and fun way to get your voice heard. It’s also a great way to meet likeminded, new neighbors who are passionate about enacting change.
Spice up the get-together with a little local or organic wine and an organic fruit and cheese spread and then bask in the glow of grassroots activism! ::my.barackobama.com
More on Obama:
What Environmental Challenges Await Obama?
How Can Obama Save the Planet? Read the 100 Day Action Plan E-Book
More Obama on TreeHugger:
Obama National Security Advisor Outlines Energy Policy Priorities (Video)
Obama's Golden Opportunity-
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