Brett Bittner: 16 Liberty Action Items for ’16

Brett Bittner is a regional alternate on the Libertarian National Committee representing Region 3 (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky), former executive director of the Libertarian Party of Georgia and current executive director of the Advocates for Self-Government). This article was featured in the Advocates’ weekly newsletter, the Liberator Online. To receive it in your inbox, sign up here.

“What can I do to help?”

This is LITERALLY my favorite question to be asked, because I can always share SOMETHING that can be done. There’s certainly something for everyone.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 16 action-oriented items for you to share with your liberty-minded friends:

1. Seek out a group of like-minded people in your area. America’s Future Foundation, The Bastiat Society, and Liberty on the Rocks are all easy ways to network with liberty-minded people, though any civic organization will be helpful.
2. Seek out a group with whom you frequently disagree. I’m not suggesting that you crash their events, rather I suggest you go to listen to a different perspective.
3. Identify a candidate for office that you wholeheartedly support, and campaign for him/her.
4. Run for an elected office where you could serve with passion. A passion for liberty and a passion for the duties of the office will make your service fulfilling.
5. Affiliate with a local group of organized, engaged, civics-minded citizens.
6. Pick one issue to speak, write, or advocate for effectively.
7. Write a monthly letter to the editor about the libertarian perspective on the topic du jour.
8. Embrace a “disruptive” technology or innovation. 3-D printing, Uber, Bitcoin, AirBNB all come to mind.
9. Adopt a new “favorite” columnist. In the age of the Internet, it should be easy to find a new writer that you enjoy reading.
10. When discussing libertarian thought and philosophy, focus on what Liberty offers, rather than focusing on your desire for it. “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.”
11. Pick a charity to support with your time, talent, or treasure.
12. Donate to candidates and organizations that you support.
13. Choose an issue to wave signs, go to a rally, or volunteer to spread the word about.
14. Find one thing that you can do that will make a positive, lasting difference in the life of one person. It’s easier than you think.
15. Be nice to everyone, no matter how they treat you.
16. Do all of the above, and be a shining example of libertarians everywhere.

I look forward to seeing the change you create in 2016!