I was born in the shadows of the home of the late William Jennings Bryan, three-time Populist presidential candidate famous for his “Cross of Gold” speech and an unshakable belief in the common man. Maybe that’s why I like rooting for the underdog. Yes, I get teary-eyed at the climax scenes of Dead Poets Society and Hoosiers. (Just thinking of the line ”Oh Captain, my Captain!” sends shivers down my spine.)
So it’s pretty easy to see why I’d want to highlight how the Broadband Revolution balances the playing field for the proverbial little guy. A veteran of alumni associations, neighborhood associations, and school boards, I have folded, stuffed, and hand-delivered my share of newsletters, calls-to-action, and meeting invites. That’s a lot of work and can be a great excuse to stay on the couch watching TV, instead of doing something in the name of justice.
This week, I’ve been inspired by the small town of Whiting, Indiana. The home of Pierogi Fest is in danger of losing its city status, due to an unintended consequence of state legislation. On Sunday night, they launched a website to get their case heard by the state legislature before it completes its session this week. In the first three days, they have already obtained 3,000 signatures and generated an untold amount of emails sent directly to politicians and journalists.
How can you do something like that?
With our help, they launched a “Call to Action” website with five ways a person could very quickly voice their opinion and get others involved. Knowing we could leverage the power of peoples’ existing relationships, we started with a small email database and asked for their help in spreading the word. With a few keystroke and clicks, the movement has multiplied.
That’s the power of digital media.
With just one day left in the legislative session, you can help by going to www.SaveWhiting.com and rally the cause.
You can’t say it’s too much work…