Forward: Scott Jesson emailed me this article submission a few months back. I sat on this one quite some time, reflecting on its purpose and intended audience. I finally rested on this: those who bark the loudest sometimes don’t have the biggest bite. I see many folks that have grand audiences but do little to enhance our fight. They boast that they love the Second Amendment, but stand idly by and watch from the sidelines, enjoying the freedoms the 2nd provides. Everyone could positively impact our 2A efforts. That is why I enjoyed reading Scott’s article. There is a call no matter how small the effort. We all can do something. ~ KJ
“I want to do something to make a positive change, but I don’t: know what to do/know where to start/have enough time or money / like the spotlight / do well in front of people.”
Does that sound like someone you know…maybe even you?
You don’t have to be a superstar – just pick ONE THING and do it.
In other words, “If you can’t be an athlete, be an athletic supporter.” Principal McGee (0:34-0:38), Grease
Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
We’ll get it done; “One piece at a time, and it won’t cost you a dime.” Johnny Cash
SUGGESTION: Are you:
Short on Knowledge – no problem, just keep reading
Short on Money – give time/labor
Short on Time – give money
Short on Money AND Time – consider:
Nearly everything listed below is FREE, quick, and requires little physical effort.
How important is your cause to you?
When someone says, “I don’t have the money/time for that” …
Are they not really saying, “It’s not a high enough priority for me”?
SUGGESTION: Listen to friends, family, TV, radio, podcasts, etc.
Attend meetings (city, county, school board, legislative, activist group, etc.).
Sit in the back and don’t speak – just listen.
SUGGESTION: Create a separate email account for your cause. That will simplify things.
Search for talk shows, podcasts, TV shows, etc. that are accurate, effective, and engaging.
Sign up for email updates from elected employees such as:
State & federal legislators
State & federal legislatures
State & federal Attorney General
School Board
Governor
County & State Election Boards
City Council
Others
SUGGESTION: Family & Friends – Ask for their opinion on an issue – any issue.
Learn what they think, why they think it, how they present it, and how their presentation affects you.
Did they make you: Think they’re a nutcase? Want to fall asleep? Feel defensive? Respect their opinion, even if you still disagree?
Did they change your opinion?
SUGGESTION: Pick one thing below and do it.
DO NOT: Support businesses that support the opposition.
Consider: “I do not expect a business to fight FOR me,
But why should I fund a business that is actively fighting AGAINST me?”
DO: Support businesses that support your cause.
You buy certain things anyway – why not buy them from companies that support your cause?
This may require a little research (internet, family, friends, etc.), but it’s worth it.
Communicate: Contact your legislators. (Methods listed below are in order of efficacy):
1) Visits: Offices and Town Hall meetings (local, State, & federal).
Being closer to your local and State offices is part of what makes you much more influential there than at the federal level.
2) Letters: In order of efficacy: hand-written, typed, electronic
3) Calls: Store their numbers in your phone.
4) Emails: Do you know their email addresses?
Respectful, Concise, & Effective: Show them you are accurate, brief, and always respectful.
Often, a legislator’s staffer will be the only one to see/hear your comments. Get to know them. Ask them how you can be most effective.
Keep it short and sweet. They often only count a “Yes” or “No” on many issues, especially during the legislative session.
Calls – Tell them: 1) Your name (distinguishes you as a real constituent), 2) Bill number (“HB 123”, “SB 456”, etc.) or topic description, and 3) If you want them to vote for or against it.
Emails – Include the Bill number/topic description and “Yes” or “No” in the subject line. That may be all they see.
Keep this in mind: If you want someone to do something, make it easy and pleasant for them to do it.
Join: When you find a group that interests you…join. Just joining helps. They can use your membership dollars to support their efforts and they gain more influence with greater numbers.
That’s it!
Before you know it, you’ll be making a positive change.
Pause the process whenever necessary. Just resolve to start again.
Don’t just do “something”, do the RIGHT thing, the RIGHT way!
NONE can do ALL, but ALL can do SOME
This guide is meant for any issue.
For Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA) issues, please also consider:
1) CCRKBA’s “Anti 2A Groups – Don’t Feed The Gun Prohibitionists!” (scroll down just a bit) – List of Anti-RKBA Companies
2) HandGunLaw.US’s “RKBA State Orgs” – State-Level RKBA Groups
3) Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) – National group “Winning Firearms Freedom, One Lawsuit at a Time” ~ Scott Jesson
Scott Jessen
Scott is a liberty/responsibility minded, retired enlisted military dude who is relatively new to the benefits of being involved in firearms, hunting, self reliance/defense, and politics. As such, his understanding of how these things interrelate and strengthen every American is constantly evolving. These experiences fuel his passion for not just "gun rights", but for ALL rights and what it takes to defend them.
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