CITIZEN ACTION:
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1. Understand your principles. America and Vermont were founded on a set of clear and mutually consistent political principles. Set some time aside for rereading the Declaration of Independence, the Vermont Constitution, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and reliable works that trace the development of these principles throughout our history. 2. Understand the proper role of government. Vermonters have long understood that government is necessary to preserve civil order, restrain the strong from using force and fraud to plunder the weak, prevent people from invading the rights of their neighbors, settle disputes through an independent court system, and make provision for transportation, education, and care of those unable to care for themselves. But there are baneful effects when government outgrows its proper boundaries. Develop a healthy skepticism about proposals to further increase the size, expense and coercive powers of government, as destructive of our liberties and of the wellsprings of civic energy in a free society. 3. Be informed. Keep abreast of public happenings in our state, and read critically the views of those on all sides of public issues. Learn to sort out and discard arguments which are self-serving buncombe, which would take away your freedoms, and which advocate grand schemes of social and economic engineering. Constantly expand your knowledge of our history, politics, and economics, and of the men and women who have done fine and noble things for our state and country. 4. Make an effort to influence opinion on a public issue that interests you. Join a group working for a worthwhile public policy goal. Learn the skills of advocacy. Pen informative and well-argued letters to the editor on current issues. Look for opportunities to speak. Organize public events for others. 5. Work for political candidates of character and ability who reflect your values. Competent campaign workers are a candidate’s most precious resource. Learn how to raise funds and use them effectively. |
6. Hold office holders accountable. Pay attention to what elected officials do as well as what they say. Call, write and visit with them, and press them to take clear stands on issues of importance to you. If they let you down, start planning to replace them with others who will do better. 7. Stand up for those who stand up for you. Men and women of character in public life are often subjected to sometimes savage personal attack by their political opponents. Don’t let those who you respect take these blows alone. Come to their defense in the media and debate. Insist on civility in discourse and fair, open, and truthful debate on real issues. 8. Run for office. Town government is the basic building block of Vermont democracy. Look for an elected or appointed town office in which you can serve the public and expand your own skills, experience, personal relationships, and public recognition. If you have done a job that you can be proud of, seize an opportunity to run for the Legislature. 9. Volunteer in an endeavor to improve your town or state, assist the less fortunate, commemorate historical events, honor our veterans, expand opportunities for young people, instill moral and religious values, or preserve a clean environment. The participation of concerned citizens in works of civic improvement is another cornerstone of civil society. Do your part for a worthy organization of your choice. 10. Teach your children what you believe and what you have learned. Share with them our legacy as Vermonters and Americans, and set for them an example so that they too will become valuable citizens of our republic. —Presented by the Ethan Allen Institute, 2000 |
