Bailouts got you down? What better way to show your organization is paying attention and relevant, than with rapid response tools such as petitions and campaigns.

These tactics on their own won't do much (well, except grow your list!). Consider combining them with a strategy that includes an offline approach, such as printing and delivering your petitions in a creative way, along with calls, in-person visits, etc.

Below is a great example from member group, Campaign for Fresh Air and Clean Politics, who used Salsa to take action on the bailout. Notice how they also used the "letter to the editor" tool and sign-in page.

Tell Congress: Stop the Bailout

Letter to the Editor

Sign in form (keep me updated about the bailout)

If you're thinking, well our group doesn't work on financial issues, think again. This bailout and stock crash will effect everyone's organization, whether it's a massive hit from your funders or a trickle down policy effect. If you don't have a clear target or strategy now, use a petition tool to broadly state that your group is concerned about "x" and how it relates to your issue. This will grow and engage your list and perhaps provide political fodder.

It's probably the only way folks will listen when everyone is thinking about finances. Bring it back to where people are at.

Making change is about endless pressure endlessly applied.

p.s DIA would love to share other examples of how folks are responding the the crisis, especially with issues that aren't immediately connected.