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

MoveOn.org (Author)

Book Description

Series: Inner Ocean Action Guide | Publication Date: March 2004

With more than 2 million members, MoveOn is at the cutting edge of a new model for political activism. In their first-ever book, they take their message offline with MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change, in an effort to jumpstart an even broader civic dialogue and inspire all to become involved in our political process. With introductions by Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Gail Sheehy, David Fenton, and the MoveOn staff, MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country is a political call-to-action guide that includes 50 essays from MoveOn members across the country. Each essay is a compelling personal story with action items and resources. Simple ideas are illuminated, such as "Vote, No Matter What," about a dying man's wish to cast a ballot, as are more dynamic actions, such as "Start a Petition," which chronicles a couple's quest to protect endangered wolves in Alaska. For those who feel powerless or overwhelmed, angry or apathetic — or just want to do something, but don't know how — MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country answers the question so many people are asking, "What can I do?"

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193072229X
• ISBN-13: 978-1930722293
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (86 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 128 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it and am not a leftist at all, March 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change (Paperback)

I think everyoen from all parts of the political spectrum will enjoy this book. As a lifelong Republican I have to say that people here denegrating this book haven't read it at all. It is a very good illumination of how curruption and failure to participate have undermined American democracy.

Indeed our local school board place this book on the required reading list at our high school...and we are a Republican town!

174 of 183 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Republicans and Democrats alike!!, March 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change (Paperback)

If you are a Republican like me, don't pass on this book just because it is from MoveOn!! An unbiased look at democracy and the difference we all can make, it's a MUST READ for anyone who wants to get more involved in the political process. I rather doubt the "one star" ratings even took the time to look at the book. Get past your bias and pick up this book!!!

108 of 113 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Negative reviewers miss the point, March 25, 2004

By 

Cynthia K. Parker "cindypsych" (Huntington Station, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: MoveOn's 50 Ways to Love Your Country: How to Find Your Political Voice and Become a Catalyst for Change (Paperback)

The point is that we live in a country where our voice, our vote, COUNTS. Whether you are pro or anti-choice, whether you are pro or anti Bush, whether you are Democrat or Republican, this book details ways to participate in our democratic process. Speaking out, voting, protesting, petitioning, writing letters to your editor, whatever! These are the privileges of a free society, and this book is all about ways to exercise our freedoms.