Get Involved

In less than a minute, you can become a registered voter and learn who represents you in Congress. If you've already registered to vote and have moved since the last election, you need to update your registration. You can do that online, too. Once you know who represents you in the House and the Senate, drop them an email and let them know what's on your mind. Then stay on top of them when important legislation comes up (see below).

For everything you need to know about voting, check out Project Vote Smart.

Demos - www.demos.org
A bit of disclosure: I am the director of the economic opportunity program at Demos, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy organization that works to expand economic opportunity, strengthen democracy, and revitalize the role of the public sector in helping achieve these goals. Check out the site dedicated to the issues facing young people to get the low-down on what's happening in Congress and across the country on issues affecting this generation.

18 to 35 - www.18to35.org
A non-profit, non-partisan policy organization dedicated to engaging young adults in the political process. Check out their site for fact sheets, poll data and basic information about the economic issues facing young adults.

Center for American Progress - www.centerforamericanprogress.org
A one-stop source for info on domestic and foreign policy-and a political analysis of the daily news. The Center is a non-profit, non-partisan policy organization that promotes progressive ideas for a strong, just and free America. Sign up for The Progress Report, a daily email deconstructing the news and the important issues facing the nation.

Campus Progress - www.campusprogress.org
Still in college? Be sure to hook up with the Campus Progress. It's an effort to strengthen progressive voices on college and university campuses nationwide; counter the growing influence of right-wing groups on campus; and empower new generations of progressive leaders.

National Partnership for Women & Families - www.nationalpartnership.org
Struggling to balance work and family? Frustrated about the lack of affordable child care? The National Partnership for Women & Families is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that uses public education and advocacy to promote fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.

Project on Student Debt - www.projectonstudentdebt.org
The Project on Student Debt works to increase public understanding about the new reliance on borrowing to pay for college and what it means for us and our families.

Rock the Vote - www.rockthevote.com
Rock the Vote is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that mobilizes young people to create positive social and political change in their lives and communities. Visit the site to get registered to vote, join the campaign to save social security and sign up for email alerts.

United Professionals - www.unitedprofessionals.com
UP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for white collar workers, regardless of profession or employment status, founded by Barbara Ehrenreich in September 2006. UP reaches out to all unemployed, underemployed and anxiously employed workers -- people who bought the American dream that education and credentials could lead to a secure middle class life, but now find their lives disrupted by forces beyond their control.

Over the last couple years, there's been a flurry of new groups organized by young people hoping to engage their unengaged generation, while some long-established organizations have begun anew with a focus on engaging the under-35 crowd. Below is a short list of organizations I've come to know and love. To find all the civic organizations in your state, visit the Center for Civic Participation.

Whether you need help deciding among the hundreds of personal finance books or help finding a reputable credit counseling agency, here are several resources to get you started:

Carmen Wong Ulrich. Generation Debt: Take Control of Your Money--A How-to Guide. Warner Business Books. January 2006.

Suze Orman. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke. Penguin Group. March 2005.

Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi. All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan. The Free Press. March 2005.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling
With over 100 member agencies and more than 900 local offices throughout the country, the NFCC can help you find an accredited credit counseling agency in your area. The site also provides a range of general budgeting and debt advice.

Bankrate, Inc.
This site offers an array of information about financial products, from credit cards to mortgages. Bankrate also features monthly articles addressing some of the most common personal finance issues.