My fondness for liberals, smart people, and Wisconsin politicians (not to mention good food) aided in my decision to read the Environmental Working Group's recent email on their Organics Petition. Even though Development Associate David (no, I didn't realize that was his title until I searched their site) once spent a good amount of a phone call laughing at my Wisconsin accent when I was trying to explain tags, I enjoy working with the EWG. But even more notably, I enjoy well-crafted campaigns. This action nicely displays a few ways to make them suck less (albeit in the service of an uphill struggle):

Step 1: Pictures are worth a thousand words.

This video was short, energizing, and provided a terrific visual of the support already behind the bill. It's one thing to be told about an issue, but to see an example of what an organization is already doing is quite motivational. The video also exemplifies the importance of turning your Actions into opportunities for press coverage (I'm just going to tell everyone the really long petition list was printed on paper of elephant dung and make myself feel better). Value your signatures as more than just another email or potential donor and show your supporters one voice can make a difference. Note: Any visual representation of your achievements will do- just make sure to follow up with your supporters and *show* them what you're doing with their support.

Step 2: Encourage your Supporters to take action (and make it easy).

Okay, I'll admit, I don't love calling people. I have to coerce my beloved male to call and reschedule appointments that I make, and well, I'll be honest, if you email or leave a message and ask me to call you about a tech issue, I'll more than likely try emailing first. Things that usually make calling my legislators easier and/or less traumatizing:

1. I write out a shorter and more colloquial version of the talking points for myself.
2. I call after office hours so that I can talk to a machine (mmm... machines). I assume/hope they count my messages.
3. I identify myself and my address and say thank you at the end of the call.

EWG made this especially easy for their members by providing a link to contact information and a list of talking points in support of their amendment and against the Farm Bill. Talking points make thinking less painful.

Step 3: Spam is bad, peer pressure is awesome.

Of course I'll tell my friends! I might roll my eyes at the hick stereotypes of rural Wisconsin, but I dig food, and it rather bothers me that not only is it more likely that my food came from thousands of miles away, but the chances of my food being compiled and/or processed of non-food substances is just not cool. You'll definitely want to provide a way for your supporters to spread the word on your issue. It's also quite helpful to include information on a deadline, as we do sometimes have supporters call and ask if a campaign is still active. And again, I'd prefer to avoid the phone.