Nine things you can do to help Obama and the progressive agenda

I asked a number of smart people what actions they were considering -- now that the election is over -- to help usher in a more progressive agenda in the U.S.  I was thinking mostly about political action, but many people suggested individual and community-based actions as well. The list is impressive and I am happy to be sharing such great ideas. Feel free to adopt any of these as your own or create something completely different.

1. Contact Your Congressional Delegation
Write your congressional delegation and ask them to work closely with the new administration, including following the White House's lead on policy initiatives.

2. Contact Your 'Hometown' Congressional Delegation
Since many of us currently live in districts that are Democratic strongholds, I recommend also writing the congressional delegation that represents your hometown. Using the address of your parents, siblings, or other relatives in other parts of the country, you can let that delegation know that you have connections to that locale and encourage them to work closely with the new administration.

3. Prepare for Re-election
Many of us gave money to the Obama campaign. Some even gave on a weekly or monthly basis. Why not continue to set aside some money for his reelection campaign? Imagine a situation where Obama announces he is running for reelection and already has a war chest and volunteer base in the millions. Of course, if things go poorly, you will have this money to give to some other candidate.

4. Reject the Short Honeymoon
Whenever you hear someone mention Obama's first 100 days, remind them that our problems are many, and that 100 days will not be enough time to address them all. Bush and the right-leaning Congress had almost 8 years to wreck the country; surely we can give this administration more than 100 days of political good will to try to fix it. 1000 days?

5. Support Local Progressive Politicians
While federal policy and politicians are important, many issues are decided at the city and state levels. City councils, school boards, and zoning commissions don't sound very sexy, but most national politicos get their start at the local level. We can start, today, collaborating and influencing the next generation of politicians.

6. Become a Mentor
Speaking of the next generation, there is supposed to be this "we" generation and it is just two presidential election cycles away from voting. Numerically, there are some 95 million of them and many will need our help.

7. Be Financially Responsible
We know a lot of credit card debt is not good. We know living beyond our means is not good. Make a plan to get your financial house in order.

8. Buy American. Buy Local. Buy Independent
Years ago, I read something about the number  of times a dollar should circulate in a community. More circulation is better for the community. If we adapt this concept to the national market, making smarter (American, local, independent) purchases means those dollars circulate here more often. It will cost you a little more, but it might mean that your neighbor can actual pay his or her mortgage.

9. Volunteer Locally
There are many community-based organizations feeding the hungry or promoting community gardens or improving schools. Why not commit to volunteering at a local organization for a year?

That's it. If you have other ideas, actions, or promises, please post them here.  I am working on a larger written project related to this and would appreciate knowing any additional commitments you have made.