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The One-Hour Activist: The 15 Most Powerful Actions You Can Take to Fight for the Issues and Candidates You Care About
No matter what your political persuasion, The One-Hour Activist is your guide to influencing lawmakers, candidates, and reporters. The One-Hour Activist reveals fifteen powerful, proven grassroots actions that persuade lawmakers and candidates to see things your way. Each action is designed to grab the attention of your representatives and build relationships that serve your issues over the long run. And each action takes less than an hour to complete, so you can make a difference without giving up your life! The One-Hour Activist is packed with insider advice from elected officials, professional organizers, lobbyists, and journalists who share state-of-the-art tips for getting your message across. Real-life examples of effective letters, e-mail, phone calls, public testimony, and news story pitches from concerned citizens just like you illustrate the actions.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
8 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 27, 2009
"The One-Hour Activist" is a useful volume on how to advance your/your organization's political agenda. As the Preface says (Page ix):
"This is a tactical guide, not a civics class.
This is a book of action--a book you will put down to write, call. to meet with your elected officials or to engage in any of the twenty powerful grassroots actions explained in this book."
The author, Christopher Kush, sees this book as a tool for "Democracy in Action," the title of the book's Introduction.
Is this a fool's errand? Can political involvement actually make a difference? The reality is that it depends on your goals. . . . If you want to transform the system to create direct, participatory democracy, where "Power to the People" is the ruling credo, probably not. If you want to affect--even incrementally--government action, then the answer is that such grassroots involvement can have an impact. The question: Is that enough to justify such involvement in the first place? Lots of questions, eh?
The heart of the book is a series of 20 actions, most of which can be undertaken without an undue investment of time. The categories of action are five in number. A few words about each.
"Gather information and strategize." Information is important in the world of politics and decision-making. First, who is it whom you wish to influence? Are there already existing groups that you can join to amplify your voice? How do you analyze proposed legislation? How do you conduct the dread opposition research?
"Contact your local elected officials." There is, believe it or not, academic research that suggests that contacts with local officials (elected or bureaucratic) can have an effect. Is that effect enough to satisfy all? That's a separate question. Simple tactics like writing a compelling letter or e-mail are in play. Persuade others--create a group--to act. The more people making suggestions/demands to officials, ceteris paribus, the more likely to get a hearing.
"Get involved in elections." Pretty straightforward. To the extent that elected officials make a difference in policy, affect who is making those policy decisions.
"Work with news media." There are a variety of ways of using media for political muscle, including a simply letter to the editor.
Finally, a section on "Super-Powerful actions that take a little more time." Arrange a face-to-face meeting to present your case to an elected officials; testify at a public hearing; take part in protest activities (realizing that there might be some consequences); and so on.
If you want radical change, the preceding are unlikely to affect things. If you accept the way the system operates and want to have an impact within those confines, then this book can be a useful guide.
"This is a tactical guide, not a civics class.
This is a book of action--a book you will put down to write, call. to meet with your elected officials or to engage in any of the twenty powerful grassroots actions explained in this book."
The author, Christopher Kush, sees this book as a tool for "Democracy in Action," the title of the book's Introduction.
Is this a fool's errand? Can political involvement actually make a difference? The reality is that it depends on your goals. . . . If you want to transform the system to create direct, participatory democracy, where "Power to the People" is the ruling credo, probably not. If you want to affect--even incrementally--government action, then the answer is that such grassroots involvement can have an impact. The question: Is that enough to justify such involvement in the first place? Lots of questions, eh?
The heart of the book is a series of 20 actions, most of which can be undertaken without an undue investment of time. The categories of action are five in number. A few words about each.
"Gather information and strategize." Information is important in the world of politics and decision-making. First, who is it whom you wish to influence? Are there already existing groups that you can join to amplify your voice? How do you analyze proposed legislation? How do you conduct the dread opposition research?
"Contact your local elected officials." There is, believe it or not, academic research that suggests that contacts with local officials (elected or bureaucratic) can have an effect. Is that effect enough to satisfy all? That's a separate question. Simple tactics like writing a compelling letter or e-mail are in play. Persuade others--create a group--to act. The more people making suggestions/demands to officials, ceteris paribus, the more likely to get a hearing.
"Get involved in elections." Pretty straightforward. To the extent that elected officials make a difference in policy, affect who is making those policy decisions.
"Work with news media." There are a variety of ways of using media for political muscle, including a simply letter to the editor.
Finally, a section on "Super-Powerful actions that take a little more time." Arrange a face-to-face meeting to present your case to an elected officials; testify at a public hearing; take part in protest activities (realizing that there might be some consequences); and so on.
If you want radical change, the preceding are unlikely to affect things. If you accept the way the system operates and want to have an impact within those confines, then this book can be a useful guide.
April 29, 2021
This book gives great insight to the political system of a great democracy. It is a must read for citizens, labor leaders, and organizers because it is packed with valuable information and guidance on how to get your elected leaders attention. You'll better understand the importance of text based communication over phone calls, and why online petitions are not so great. Your address as a constituent is critical to elected leaders listening to you. Learn about the grassroots star of influence and the 5-key points that must be applied to get things done. When you're done don't sell this book or give it away. KEEP IT IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LIBRARY!
May 8, 2021
This book is great for the quick tips on how to do the advocacy things. Easy to find what you need!
February 28, 2009
Nice easy read with some tidbits of useful information and tips on how to lobby your representatives or advocate for a cause. But it's also VERY redundant. The chapters on how to write a letter, make a call, send an email to a congressman could have been consolidated into one as the author basically gives the same advice in each section in regards to identifying yourself, staying on message, etc. I feel like I read the same thing three times over.
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March 16, 2016I saw Christopher Kush speak at a Leadership conference in Washington D.C. in September. He was helping the room filled with 900 volunteers prepare for Lobby day on Capital Hill. He was informative, clever and had a commanding presence in that room. It is for that reason that I had to pick up his book and start to read...
August 4, 2016
Filled with practical suggestions, this book is ideal for the individual who strives to remain informed about issues affecting the US and who desires to exercise the right and privilege to participate in the political process.
May 7, 2008
An 'educational' book that provides some basic tips and pointers for becoming a more politically involved individual.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews