How can someone get more involved with specific issues?

[Cassius23]

Good morning,

Watching all of the things happen with Obama has made me want to get more involved and get my voice heard in regards to policy. The primary things I would want to get involved with are the following, in order(I'd be happy to pick one and work with that, honestly). Does anyone have any suggestions as far as how to get involved with any of these causes or, if not, how would one start their own PAC?

Prison Reform
I would like to work towards increasing efforts in prison towards actual reform of inmates with the goal of preventing them from returning to prison.

Student Loan Reform
Primarily expanding the ability of people with student loans to be able to have part of their loans forgiven for national service.

Drug Law Reform
This is the lowest priority for me but still something I think should change as it is a source of tremendous potential revenue.

[raccoon]

1. Good question, I'd like to hear the answer myself. nt

[rosesaylavee]

2. First of all. Pick one.

You can do it all but not effectively. Find a local group that is working toward goals you agree with. Spend some time volunteering or donating to their work. Make friends. Talk with local government officials to find out where they stand. Stand back, assess the situation and then start your PAC.

Or that would be how I would start. Local groups are lot more accessible than state-wide or nation-wide. Get some experience behind you in the area you are focusing on and you will have a lot more credibility once you get going on the PAC.

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. We are not allowed to get involved with specific issues

That is "issues politics" and only serves to destroy everything that is good, pure and holy. We peons must shut up and accept whatever agenda is handed down from on high, which most certainly will NEVER include prison reform (can't be seen as soft on crime), student loan reform (hail, the all-powerful Credit Industry!), meaningful changes in drug laws (it would be bad to be seen as endorsing pot) and other worthless things like gay rights, a living wage and renewable energy.

In short, we will see exactly what we have been seeing for decades: three years of "Latter, latter" followed by a year of "Do you want us to lose? Shut the fuck up about your personal issues and focus on the Big Picture!"

[crispini]

4. I would pick one.

Any one of those would be a big thing to bite off.

Then, I'd hit "the google" and look for local and state groups to get involved in.

It may take you a few tries. Not all groups are created equal. You may find groups that seem active, but don't do much.

I would especially think with prison reform that you could find some very interesting local programs to work with that do work with inmates, do studies, and make recommendations.