Many readers reach the final page of The True Patriot and ask, "What next?" You're inspired, you're charged up, you're feeling like it's possible to make a difference in our country. You have new hope. So... what? How can you take that wonderful energy and enthusiasm and turn it into action?
We've made a list of ways that you can engage. We plan to come back often and add new ideas. Do you have an idea to add? Please write to us and tell us about it: engage [at] truepat.org
Spread the conversation
We wrote The True Patriot to ignite a natonal conversation. Help keep the fire burning! Talk with your family and friends about what core beliefs drive their political opinions and decisions. Do you belong to any civic, political, or reading groups? Plan an event to discuss first principles and true patriotsm.
Deepen the dialogue
The next time your friends or colleagues talk about the hot political issue of the day, ask them which of their beliefs make them feel the way they do about the topic. Push them to explore deeper than the surface issues and gain a better understanding of their own core principles.
Share the book
Pass your copy of The True Patriot along to a friend. Let people know that they can read the entire book online at truepat.org/book/read. We make it easy to let friends know about our web site: click here.
If your organization or event could benefit from free copies of The True Patriot, please let us know.
Be a steward of our natural resources
True patriots work to leave our environment in better shape than they found it. To indulge in immediate gratification and exploitation is an insult to previous generations, who sacrificed for us, and thievery from the next generation, who depend on our virtue. Learn about simple things you can do each day to make a difference. Or dedicate yourself to helping support America's natural resources.
Volunteer some of your time
A society cannot remain strong or democratic when those who think they no longer require help can simply opt out of any obligation to help others. There are millions of ways to aid fellow citizens in need. Some volunteer work requires as little as an hour or two each month. You'll find that volunteering strengthens your spirit, your community, and your nation. Find volunteer opportunities here.
Serve the country
True patriotism dictates that all Americans, regardless of differences in wealth, status, or talent, are obligated to serve our country. These organizations offer part-time and full-time service opportunities:
Teach a child The Golden Rule
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This Golden Rule is the moral core of true patriotism. In a thriving society, people are willing, to a reasonable degree, to take care of others and to expect that they would be taken care of in a similar way. Teach your children early in life to treat others as they wish to be treated. Make them understand that they are obligated to help people in need and that they can ask for help when they are in need.
Write to Congress
In order to truly understand who your elected officials are and what they stand for, you need to know their driving principles. Our leaders have files filled with canned replies to constituents about health care, the economy, and other issues. But few of them are prepared to communicate their core moral principles and public philosophy. Just by asking them, you'll force your elected representatives to reflect more deeply on what they believe and why, and to start governing based on those beliefs. We've made it easy to write to your representatives in congress.
Support our troops Our volunteer military servicemembers commit years of service and sometimes their lives to our nation. While not everyone is able to make such an enormous commitment, we can all provide support for those who do. Learn how you can support our troops.
Mentor a young person
Nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential. Without immediate intervention by caring adults, they could make choices that not only undermine their futures, but, ultimately, the economic and social well-being of our nation. Build a strong future for America by finding a mentoring opportunity.
Discuss the book at dinner
Each time your family gathers for a meal, read a brief portion of The True Patriot and discuss the ideas that you've just read. You'll find that only a paragraph or two can fuel hours of talk. Keep in mind that discussion means not just talking but listening. Encourage everyone to share by asking questions and be sure to support the expression of opnions and values different from your own.
Vote
Voting gives you the power to hire or fire those who represent you in government. This hard-earned right lets you control your own future by electing officials who reflect your views and will speak for you in government. If you don't vote, you give up your right to influence government. You allow the will of others, whose opinions maybe contrary to your own, to prevail. Often when Americans choose not to vote, the nation's leaders are elected by a zealous minority rather than by the majority. Voting is not only a privilege; it's a patriotic responsibility. Register to vote.
Get involved in public education
The existence of opportunity makes America strong and free. That opportunity must be available to all, not concentrated in the hands of a few, in order for it to be truly meaningful. Freedom without equality of opportunity is false freedom. Now more than ever, education is the key to equality of opportunity and the key to America's competitiveness in the world. We believe that a radical reform of our schools, coupled with dramatically higher investment in education-from early learning and K-12 to higher education and worker retraining-is the most lasting and powerful way to ensure a fair shot for all Americans. Help make this happen by attending school board meetings, working with organizations such as League of Education Voters or the Center for Education Reform.