Armchair Activism

With no more than a computer and an Internet connection, you can easily tell your political leaders, business owners, and other organizations with influence over policy what you think. Best of all, taking action won't cost you a dime (although I am sure the orgs would welcome your donations too!).

If this is your first foray into the world of armchair activism, you'll be happy to learn that many non-profit organizations now offer links from their websites to action items you can take, and if you sign up for it, they will also send you email action alerts. Usually, an action consists of no more than signing a petition or placing a phone call to your senator or representative.

Here is just a small sample of the many actions you can take today:

• The We Campaign has launched a campaign to Repower America with 100% clean electricity within the next 10 years. Right now you can sign a petition on their website that calls for a cap on carbon pollution, which will be delivered to members of Congress.
• ONE has launched a campaign calling on the African Union to support and uphold the new unity government of Zimbabwe, which is in its critical early stages.
• The Sierra Club is asking people to sign a petition urging the Obama administration to ban mountaintop removal coal mining, which is a mining process that's just as destructive as it sounds.

With a new administration making important decisions every day, now is a crucial time to get involved, and these petitions, phone calls, and letters are an effective way to reach policymakers. Consider that the recent efforts of such groups as the Genocide Intervention Network and Save Darfur helped to convince President Obama to appoint a special envoy to Sudan, which is a diplomatic presence sorely needed in that devastated region.

For more ideas about organizations to get involved with, check out the directory of "Organizations Making a Difference" on the Ten Ways website and change the world today from the comfort of your chair.