Title: The Rutherford Institute :: Citizen's Toolbox: What You Can Do to Save America |
Headings: Citizen's Toolbox: What You Can Do to Save America
Citizen's Toolbox: What You Can Do to Save America
By John Whitehead
What Can You Do?

Content: One of the most important contributions an individual citizen can make is to become actively involved in local community affairs, politics and legal battles. As the adage goes, “Think globally, act locally.” America was meant to be primarily a system of local governments, which is a far cry from the colossal federal bureaucracy we have today. Yet if our freedoms are to be restored, understanding what is transpiring practically in your own backyard—in one’s home, neighborhood, school district, town council—and taking action at that local level must be the starting point. Responding to unmet local needs and reacting to injustices is what grassroots activism is all about. Getting involved in local politics is one way to bring about change. This could mean running for office, attending and becoming actively involved in party conventions where grass-roots decisions are made or serving on various commissions or political committees. I have seen instances where one person sitting on a local city council or zoning commission tipped the balance on crucial issues. Short of running for office, personal contact with your local, state and public officials is vital. Seek out opportunities to voice your concerns and call on your government representatives to account for their actions.