America In Solidarity’s Education Director Jeff Richardson has provide a “Citizen Toolkit” that every good activist should have. The media section is tailored for Jeff’s home area, but the rest is not area specific.
Introduction
Before I get into explaining why you need these things, I'd like to take a minute to congratulate you for getting involved. Trying to change your government is like trying to move a boulder up a hill. It's hard work, not a lot of people want to help you, and in the end, the boulder may just roll back down the hill if you fall down or get pushed out of the way by your opponents.
You are taking on a big challenge just by learning to be a better citizen. Citizenship is a very special thing that we all should cherish. Unfortunately, our 19th Century school system hasn't kept up with all the changes in our government, and has all but given up on teaching folks how to be good citizens.
First off, what is citizenship? Put simply, citizenship is the special responsibility of every member of this country. To be a good American is to be a good citizen, and the quality of your citizenship is basically defined by how well you get along with your neighbors and what you do to preserve and defend our democracy.
This country was founded by people who got off their duffs and did something. Some of them wrote pamphlets and stuck them onto trees with nails. Others ran their printing presses late into the night printing papers that detailed the corruption of the British government and the ruthless practices of the East India Company. Others took up arms and started the revolution by waging war on the British. In my opinion, whatever you can do to defend and extend the promise of democracy in this country, the better citizen you will be.
What does being a good citizen mean to you? Take a minute to write down a few good answers. Here's my list:
1. Taking care of my neighbors, co-workers and customers.
2. Taking care of my family.
3. Writing letters to the editor about stuff that makes me mad
4. Voting and helping out on progressive politicians' campaigns
5. Speaking out on behalf of the homeless and under-employed.
6. Writing my blog.
7. Attending anti-war protests and other outdoor events.
8. Organizing workers.
9. Organizing events to highlight the struggles facing America's working families.
What's on your list? Keep adding to it, and your commitment to your community will increase. The more you can do for your community, the better citizen you will be.
Now let's get into the toolkit:
