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Citizen Toolbox for the 21st Century

 

The following are general resources that may be useful to you in your efforts to take part in your political ecosystem.

 

  • Freedom of Information 

  • Petition

  • Letter to Editor 

  • Join an Organization

  • ASK THEM  (Project of the Participatory Politics Foundation)

 

Contact Federal Elected Officials

  • President Barack Obama and the White House

    • Contact the White House.

  • U.S. Senators

    • Contact your state’s senators in the U.S. Senate.

  • U.S. Representatives

    • Contact your representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

Contact State Elected Officials

  • State Governors

    • Contact your state governor.

  • State Legislators

    • Find the names and current activities of your state legislators.

 

Contact Local Elected Officials

  • Local Elected Officials

    • Get contact information for mayors of U.S. cities and other local government representatives.

Communicating Effectively with Elected Officials

 

  • Learn how to communicate effectively with your elected leaders .

  • See examples of letters written to elected officials on various issues .

When it comes to our political life, the potential of digital technology has the potential to enrich American Democracy and provide the tools for 21st century solutions to the challenges confronting the United States. From participation in the political process to engaging citizens in decision making and policy formulation, digital technology can be leveraged on the local, national and global level..   We discuss utilizing digital technology to strengthen our democracy by improving citizen engagement. Current technology allows us to rewire the body politic through information technology. These tools allow unprecedented opportunity to get access to information, mobilize, challenge misinformation provide for a more deliberative dialogue.  Where previously only well-connected individuals and organizations were engaged now more of the public can get engaged.

The more society professionalises, the less is taking advantage if its own skills. Indeed, each of us has much more to give to society than what our job descriptions allow us to. How to then mobilize our skills for the greater good? Alberto Alemanno, an engaged academic and civic advocate, argues that besides voting and running for office there is also a third, less known - yet more promising -, way to make society progress: lobbying. Lobbying is no longer a prerogative of well-funded groups with huge memberships and countless political connections. This talk offers you a guide on how to become an effective citizen lobbyist in your daily life by tapping into your own talents, skills and experience.

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