How to Join the Tea Party Movement

Tea Party members wish to protect the U.S. Constitution and its limitations on government.

The Tea Party movement is a political movement in America aimed at clearly communicating to Washington its displeasure with government spending. Founded shortly after President Barack Obama was elected, and specifically in response to his stimulus-spending bill and his bailout of the nation's banks, the movement is gaining steady momentum both locally and nationally. According to the Tea Party Patriots website, the group does not ascribe to any specific party, but rather invites any American to join who disapproves of what it considers excessive government spending.

Instructions

1. Review the Tea Party Patriot's Mission Statement and Core Values to determine if you are willing to follow this movement. Go online to teapartypatriots.org to see it. In sum, the movement believes in fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and the free market.

2. Find out about local Tea Party groups in your area. Tea Party events in larger cities typically have a guest speaker. In smaller towns, it may be a scheduled town hall meeting with the current representatives where the Tea Party members can freely question their representatives on their current votes and political decisions.

3. Vote for candidates that match the Tea Party's philosophy. Voting is the average citizen's only means of ensuring his voice is heard in government. It is vital to vote in all elections--local, state, and federal.

4. Assist with petitions. Many local Tea Party groups are asking their representatives to make decisions that are more in line with this party's viewpoint by sending them petitions signed by their constituents. Contact a local Tea Party coordinator and offer to take a shift sitting at a local library or community college to obtain signatures.

References

• Tea Party Patriots: Event Calendar
• Tea Party Patriots: Mission Statement and Core Values

Resources

• Tea Party Express Tour