By: John Stewart
Managing Editor, MUIRNet-News and 4x4Wire.com

Organizations exist because people care about their outdoor recreation opportunities.  In the beginning,  organizations formed for social reasons which soon became political reasons to maintain outdoor recreation opportunities.  Organizations exist because of members.  Members are volunteers and important for the success and effectiveness of any organization.

Volunteers can be activists.  More and more, members becoming activists for a few minutes a month are making a difference.

There are many ways you can become involved for as little as 5 minutes a month.  Please take a few minutes to look over the following list of opportunities.  Activism is you being active in protecting your recreation opportunity on public lands.  Activism starts with ACT.

5 Minutes a Month --
-- Leave a copy of your club or association newsletter at work.
-- Put a note about your club activities in the company newsletter.
-- Call or send an e-mail to your elected official.
-- Write a contribution check to a political action fund.
-- On your next trail ride, stop and pick up a broken bottle or crushed can.

15 Minutes a Month --
-- Call new club members to welcome them and ask them to get involved.
-- Write a "Dear Legislator" letter on a critical issue.
-- Write a Letter to a public official to preserve recreation opportunities.
-- Write a Letter to the Editor about recreation issues.
-- Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.

1-2 Hours a Month --
-- Write several letters to representatives and local newspaper editors.
-- Get to know your local legislator.
-- Become more active in your local club.
-- Take membership applications and newsletters to libraries and stores.
-- Attend a local Planning Board meeting.
-- Attend a BLM or Forest Service Public Comment meeting.

3-5 Hours a Month --
-- Join a campaign to clean up a campsite or trail.
-- Participate in a club or association committee.
-- Work with the political committee to elect recreation supportive candidates to office.
-- Volunteer on a phone bank.
-- Work at a community outreach booth on a weekend.
-- Take a friend on a club or association outing

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