Take action.

Since I started Open Letters for Change (the So what can I do companion blog), I've had to find ways to get reliable information that I can use to write my letters of concern. Many organizations provide action alerts that let you know about new legislation, recent injustices, and opportunities for change. You can use that information to contact your elected officials and the media to make sure your voice is heard.

Use the sites below to:

--> Learn about issues that matter to you and how you can respond.
--> Clarify your opinions, suggestions and needs using the information provided.
--> Contact your elected officials, media, and thought leaders to share your thoughts and hold them accountable.

Consider these resources:

* People for the American Way is "fighting to maintain and expand 50 years of legal and social justice progress." They provide numerous resources you can use to communicate effectively with your elected officials, including lists and descriptions of legislations, contact information, and sample letters, and it's an excellent place to start.

* Friends Committee on National Legislation is "A Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest. We seek a world free of war and the threat of war. We seek a society with equity and justice for all. We seek a community in which every person's potential may be fulfilled. We seek an earth restored." They provide numerous resources you can use to communicate effectively with your elected officials, including lists and descriptions of legislations, contact information, and sample letters, and it's an excellent place to start. Quakers have been involved in the peace and justice movement from their beginning. I saw this first-hand during my time at Swarthmore.

* Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting is a national media watch group. Use their media contact sheet and action alerts to "contact national media and make your voice heard" about news content (or lack thereof), advertising, and more.

* Africa Action "is the oldest organization in the U.S. working on African affairs. Our mission is to change U.S. Africa relations to promote political, economic and social justice in Africa. We provide accessible information and analysis and we mobilize popular support for campaigns to achieve this mission."

* New American Dream encourages environmental and socially responsible choices and helps you lobby your officials so that they will make those choices too.

Also, check with any social, political, or professional organization to which you belong. They may also provide resources that increase your lobbying power. Remember, be polite. And when you write or call, it's always best to modify the sample text to reflect your personal experience, community and feelings. So speak up and take action! You may be surprised by the effect you will have.

"Lower your voice and strengthen your argument." -Lebanese proverb