Commentary

Just Two Steps in Five Minutes to be a Warrior for Change

Mike Mohan, publisher in Native Condition. Discussion »

Often, even though we want to help and be a warrior for our people, the "call to action" seems too daunting a task. I'm here to tell you that you can be a warrior in today's political arena.

All it takes is your five minutes and these two steps.

Even before an exchange of messages counted as a conversation, I let any number of opportunities to help out a cause that was important to me.

There were any number of reasons I hesitated to help.

What would I say?

Did I have to be an expert?

Would I be late for work, if it took too long?

Well the only time I felt foolish was after I learned how simple it was and what a big difference my 5 minutes made.

The Simple Steps

1. Send your member of congress a short email.

2. Call their office and tell the person on the other end of the telephone what you're calling to support.

That's it. Five minutes tops to call and email your representative and your state's two senators.

How Important Your Action Can Be

There are few things this simple, that have brought me more satisfaction. Just knowing that I took a stand by voicing my opinion and, change happened.

The key is step two, the call. Although an email is important, it's the few who go the extra step and call that can make the most difference.

After hearing my congressman say his constituents overwhelmingly support the issue, I later learned that just eight people had called in support of the issue.

In support of another issue my community received a huge transportation project. We were one of only two communities in ten years to receive this special project funding, after just forty-two people had written and called.

The few do help the many with just five minutes and a phone.

Mike Mohan getting out the Native Vote

Start today. As Native people we are called today to help women left without the protection of the law. I'm talking about the US Senate vote to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

The National Congress of American Indians has done much of the work. They have provided this link to your senators' email addresses and office telephone numbers. Or, call the Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask the operator to connect you to your Senators office.

NCAI even have written the email for you. Just copy and paste the copy below into your email.

Dear Senator,
Monday is an important day, you'll have a chance to protect all women, including Native women. It's time to be a hero and pass a comprehensive VAWA - S.47 - including the tribal provisions and I urge you to vote NO on the Coburn Amendment. I urge you to support the Murkowski and Leahy Amendments.

Few of us can argue with this cause that will protect thousands of Native women living in reservation communities.

So join me today. Step up to the edge of the uncomfortable by emailing and calling your two US Senators.

Be a warrior for your people.

posted February 11, 2013 6:50 am est