MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change

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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


From Publishers Weekly
Fifty members of the online activist group MoveOn.org provide tips on how to take political action in this inspiring audiobook, which is impressive not only because of the breadth of its suggestions, but also because 42 of the 50 contributors lend their own voices to the recording. Although this makes for an uneven listening experience, as not all of the contributors possess velvet voices, it drives home the audiobook's message: that people of all ages, races and income levels can make a difference. The essays—which cover everything from starting an online petition and hosting a political salon to writing letters to congress and organizing a political book club—each end with a set of "action tips" summarizing the steps the writer took in achieving his/her goals. The most useful component of this audiobook, however, may be its enhanced CD features. Those with access to a computer can browse these "action tips" and link directly to any Web sites mentioned in the material. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From AudioFile
Move On founders Wes Boyd and Joan Blades started their organization with a 1998 petition urging Congress to censure President Clinton, drop impeachment proceedings, and "move on." The group itself has moved on, expanding its political activism. This volume offers advice from members on how to become active in the political process--registering voters and contacting publications about issues, for example. The writers share a Democratic outlook, often emphasizing their opposition to the war in Iraq as a key issue. Reading styles vary, with many entries read by their authors, while others are read by professional voices. This production is aimed at activating the already committed, although some of its advice could prove useful to people throughout the political spectrum. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Atlantic Monthly
"Political operatives see MoveOn as the wave of the future."


Wall Street Journal, January 31, 2000
"MoveOn made the world of campaign strategists sit up and take notice."


Washington Post, June 5, 2003
"The hottest political organization in American progressive circles."


U.S. News & World Report, October 6, 2003
"MoveOn's unlikely success story is shaking up the 2004 campaign."


Book Description
With more than 2 million members, the flourishing online activist group MoveOn is at the cutting edge of a new model for political activism with its ability to mobilize thousands of volunteers and millions of dollars. Best known for its recent grassroots efforts in protesting the war in Iraq and opposing the California recall election, and credited as a major player in the significant gains made by Howard Dean's presidential campaign, MoveOn takes its message offline in this timely book that provides inspiration and ideas for becoming a responsible member of our democracy. The 50 ways range from simple ideas such as "Tell a Friend about a Petition" to more dynamic suggestions like "Organize a Constituent Meeting." For those who feel powerless or hopeless, angry or apathetic, confused or disgusted, this clear and compelling how-to helps Americans become more accountable, progressive, and peaceful as it answers the question that more and more citizens are asking: "What can I do?!"


From the Publisher
"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


About the Author
MoveOn.org was founded in 1998 by two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Wes Boyd and Joan Blades, and has a growing membership around the world.


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With more than 2 million members, the flourishing online activist group MoveOn is at the cutting edge of a new model for political activism with its ability to mobilize thousands of volunteers and millions of dollars. Best known for its recent grassroots efforts in protesting the war in Iraq and opposing the California recall election, and credited as a major player in the significant gains made by Howard Dean's presidential campaign, MoveOn takes its message offline in this timely book that provides inspiration and ideas for becoming a responsible member of our democracy. The 50 ways range from simple ideas such as "Tell a Friend about a Petition" to more dynamic suggestions like "Organize a Constituent Meeting." For those who feel powerless or hopeless, angry or apathetic, confused or disgusted, this clear and compelling how-to guide helps Americans become more accountable, progressive, and peaceful as it answers the question that more and more citizens are asking: "What can I do?!"


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