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What does it mean to be a 10-Minute Citizen?
“It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.“
- Samuel Adams
Thomas Jefferson warned that “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.”
He understood that the preservation of liberty would require consistent and deliberate action on the part of citizens to keep government in check.
A Ten-Minute Citizen recognizes the need to invest 10 minutes a day, six days a week to protect freedom.
You don’t have to quit your job; you don’t even have to leave your home. You just have to commit to becoming a Ten-Minute Citizen!
What must a Ten-Minute Citizen do to make a difference?
Stay Informed on Current Events
We recommend the following websites for information on government, politics, economics, and current events. These websites will provide you with information you won’t get from daily newspapers or newscasts.
Pennsylvania
- PolicyBlog: Regular updates and commentaries on the latest in Pennsylvania policy and government.
- GrassrootsPA.com: The go-to source for political news across the Commonwealth.
- PATownHall.com: A compilation of commentaries, news releases, opinion polls, and reports from various freedom-oriented organizations in Pennsylvania.
- PA Independent: Daily updates on the latest Capitol news and investigative reports on state government.
National
- TownHall.com: Commentary on current events and politics from the nation’s leading conservative minds.
- DrudgeReport: A go-to source for current events and what’s happening in Washington.
- HotAir.com: The world's first full-service conservative Internet broadcast network!
- NationalReview.com: News and commentary on timely national policy issues.
- Daily Caller: Breaking News, Commentary, Research, and Entertainment.
Develop a Better Understanding of Political Philosophy, Economics, and Public Policy
Pennsylvania
- Commonwealth Foundation: Pennsylvania’s only statewide independent, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to economic freedom (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org).
- Other Pennsylvania organizations can be found here.
National
- Foundation for Economic Education: The nation’s first free-market education institute.
- Cato Institute: A libertarian think-tank.
- Heritage Foundation: A conservative think-tank.
- Reason Foundation: A libertarian organization.
Follow Legislative Activity
- PennsylvaniaVotes.org: Track legislation and see how your state legislators are voting on issues important to you.
- Get action alerts on important issues from:
- TweetPA.org: See what legislators are talking about from their own mouths, following all Pennsylvania state lawmawkers on Twitter.
- LibertyIndex.com: See how lawmakers scored on key votes.
Turn Your Knowledge into Action!
- Write letters to your local newspaper. One of the most effective ways to promote the values you cherish is to submit letters to the editor of your local newspaper. Be sure to keep your letters concise and focused. Find your local papers and write to them here.
- Contact your elected representatives in local, state, and federal government. Let your public officials know your views on legislation and issues of the day. Look up and contact your legislators through our website.
- Call in to talk radio and television programs. Talk radio and public affairs television programs are an excellent source of information and perspective. Tune in, listen, and then call in and share your own thoughts! Check the Call-In programs at www.PCNTV.com and find your area talk radio programs at www.newslink.org/paradi.html
- Get involved in your community with other active citizens. Attend community forums and town hall meetings and make your voice heard; participate in political party caucuses, and run for party posts such as local committeeman and state committeeman; share information with friends and neighbors; go to conferences and other events where you’ll have an opportunity to spread and gather information.
- Talk to your family and friends. Talk to your parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Make certain they understand the principles of the free markets, liberty, and personal responsibility. Use social networking tools like Facebook or Twitter to expand your reach. Be an Ambassador for Freedom.
- Become a citizen reporter. Read and report on state and local government spending and corruption at SunshineReview.org, on state and local ballot measure at Ballotpedia.org, and on state and local judges and courts at Judgepedia.org. Submit news tips or post comments at PA Independent. Start your own blog.
- Financially support organizations that are promoting freedom. The special interest groups that take away our freedoms are wealthy and organized. Although we believe that a “tireless minority” can overcome our opposition, freedom-oriented organizations need your financial support to provide the infrastructure and intellectual ammunition to fight our battles. Contribute to the Commonwealth Foundation by visiting www.CommonwealthFoundation.org/contribute
Resources
- Writing a Letter to the Editor
- How to File a Right-to-Know Request in Pennsylvania
- Organizing a Town Hall Forum
- Request a Speaker
- Reporting on State and Local Government Transparency
- Contact your Legislators
- Starting Your Own Blog
- CF Twitter Guide
- Using Facebook for Activism
