What can I do as a US citizen to make a difference besides vote?

Question

I see things going on here every day, so much corruption on the federal, state and local levels. I feel so hopeless sometimes and I biatch about the way things are here on Y!A like so many of us do. I want so bad to do something to make a difference but don't know where to start.

Please help, I need some ideas.

Answer 1

If you can't be a leader on a large scale then stand up and be one locally..do something, we need people to stand up and
do the right thing now more than ever.....This country is thirsting for leadership and drowning in bureaucracy.....

Answer 2

Vote with your wallet. Support businesses and charities that support the things that you believe in.

Get involved in your local community council or homeowners association.

Clean up a park.

Get educated about the issues. Not from the newspapers, from real research, and talking to people in the know.
Heck, get educated in general. A lot of folks are weak on how the government really works, there are a lot of misconceptions out there that are generally accepted as facts. Learn to spot the BS, and share that education with others.
Get educated about money and economics. (I know it is about the driest subject out there, but money does make the world go around.) Sometimes a really good idea is just not economically feasible, but that does not stop us from griping about the government.

Just remember that the federal government has only a small influence on your day to day life. It is the local and state governments that really impact your life. Get involved.

Answer 3

Write to your congressmen and senators, do this monthly or weekly. Call their offices, even if you are not super eloquent they keep track of the opinions of their constituents. Look for groups you can join that believe in the same things you do. Don't give up if the first few don't work out, keep at it; or start your own meetup group. Urge others to vote. Become a registrar, be a pollwatcher. Work for a candidate, or if you don't like what's out there see what it takes to become the candidate. Talk about your beliefs to others. Don't ever give up, don't ever quit. You don't have to make a huge major change all at once, just keep at it and keep chipping away and you will be amazed

Answer 4

First become really educated.
I suggest watching the movie America: Freedom to Fascism for free on Google Video, and then researching the topics they address in the video. They exaggerate some of them, but they have the right idea.
Afterwards, spread awareness. If more people knew what was going on it wouldn't happen.
Then help organize protests/awareness campaigns, etc. People have to learn to look past silly party politics and start seeing the problems here. Help them.

Answer 5

Take up getting signatures for your selected cause and take the list to your local gov't. They can either do the right thing on their own or they have to take your initiative if you get the proper amount of people to agree and sign with you to change laws! We have the power, if we know how to use it!

Answer 6

Ask a group of guys named George, Thomas, Benjamin, Paul, and a bunch of Johns.

Answer 7

Get invovled, become active, volunteer, and never shut up. American is about your voice, and about making yourself heard, keep talking long enough and someone will hear.

Regardless of what you want, never be afraid to go after it. No matter who opposes you, speak your mind.

Answer 8

Just smile and be kind to others. Suprisingly, doing this can do a lot more to brighten someone's day than what any politician can.

Answer 9

Get involved with charities that help the military, police and firemen/women.

Answer 10

Keep asking questions of your government.