1. What does it mean, and how do we become “active” citizens?
The “Active” Citizen
What does it mean, and how do we become “active” citizens?

2. An “Active” Citizen . . . . Takes part in the democratic process
Has certain issues that are important to them
Tries to stay informed / educated on those issues
Encourages others to become “active”

3. The Steps to becoming an Active Citizen
#1 Identify an issue that is important to you
LGBT
2nd Amendment
Taxes
Healthcare
Civil Rights
Education
National Security
Unemployment
The Economy

4. Steps to becoming an Active Citizen (continued)
#2 Educate yourself on an issue
News programs on TV
Local / Regional/ National Paper
Internet News Sources
Attending public forums and meetings at the local / state/ or national level
Look at the “history” of an issue (books, old articles, archived news stories)

5. Steps to becoming an Active Citizen (Continued)
#3 Take part in the Democratic Process
Contact elected officials (phone, , registered mail)
Support the campaign of someone who cares
Run for office yourself
Organize a group that shares your beliefs (protest, petition, meet politicians)
Vote

6. Activity Time!!!! (not super fun, but kind of fun)
Pick an issue that is important to you
Look up (on computer or cell phone) one article that discusses this issue
Write down the title of the article and the name of the website where you found it
Read the article and look for the major points in the article (you can take notes if that helps)
Imagine If you had all the time and money in the world. How would you become “active” with this issue? (you don’t need to write it down)