Late last week, Media Mouse launched a new “action alerts” section of the website as another way of making independent media and this website a catalyst for ongoing action rather than simply being a conduit for news. Since 1999, Media Mouse has worked to produced independent media with the intent not only to document struggles for social change but also to facilitate that process by presenting information that can be used for further organizing efforts.

The action alerts component furthers that effort by highlighting action alerts issued both by Media Mouse and groups working on the local, state, and federal levels. As of March 21, the action alerts section contains email action alerts aimed at stopping sulfide mining in the state of Michigan, encouraging state legislators to oppose the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI), encouraging Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow to oppose President Bush’s supplemental funding request for Iraq and Afghanistan as well as drilling in the Arctic Refuge, and telling the local media to improve its coverage of the Iraq War. While Media Mouse does not believe that significant change will come from electoral politics or lobbying efforts, it is one tactic out of a plethora of tactics available in the struggle for social change and as such it is worth pursuing. Moreover, it is important to remember that while email action alerts are a quick and easy way to inform elected officials of your position, handwritten and personalized letters, phone calls, and most of all, meetings with aides or elected officials are weighed substantially more than email actions and should be considered as a first priority.

Additionally, Media Mouse accepts suggestions action alerts, visit the action alerts page for more information.