MoveOn's 50 Ways To Love Your Country: How To Find Your Political Voice And Become A Catalyst For Change

It's somewhat rare to see an entire grassroots political organization listed as the author of a book but it's perfectly in keeping with the spirit of both MoveOn.org and this handbook on civic activism authored by some of the group's members. It features 50 short chapters (one or two pages each in most cases) authored by non-celebrities from all walks of life who took it upon themselves to change the world. Some of the ideas are ambitious, as in the case of a liberal-minded Texan who decided the best way to make his views known was to run against Republican stalwart Tom DeLay in the GOP primary. Others are much simpler: write a letter to the editor, sign a petition, or go to a rally. But even in those seemingly obvious tactics, there are interesting techniques offered that could make a simple act a much more effective one. Included in each tip are bullet-pointed tips from MoveOn organizers to help the reader translate the idea into real action. While MoveOn is certainly not the first group to suggest simple steps to change the world, this volume scores points for it's concise editing and populist authorship. It's not a book to curl up with in front of the fire, it's meant to be thrown into a backpack or purse on the way to the next protest, campaign rally, or discussion group. The slant, like the organization itself, is a liberal one but the writers generally stop short of expanding on their political beliefs, choosing instead to focus on what those beliefs inspired them to do with their time and energy. Brief interstitial essays by notables such as Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi introduce sections of the book, providing expert gravity without detracting from the common person message. --John Moe

"I am deeply grateful for MoveOn, and everything they do, including this wonderful book." --Anne Lamott, bestselling author of "Blue Shoe," "Bird by Bird," and "Operating Instructions"

"MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country" is a user-friendly How-To guide for fixing our broken democracy. Both nuts-and-bolts practical and deeply personal, this book is political Viagra for anyone tired of feeling hopeless, helpless, and impotent in the face of our Big Money/Big Media-controlled political system." --Arianna Huffington, syndicated columnist and author of "Fanatics and Fools: The Game Plan for Winning Back America"

"Cesar Chavez once said the organizer's job is to help ordinary people do extraordinary things. Involving masses of people in a movement to right wrongs and change government policy is what democracy is all about. No one in is doing it better today in America than Moveon.org. MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country is a vital primer for every activist interested in progressive social change." --Arturo S. Rodriguez, President United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO