How we can change the world -- or at least a little corner of it.

Each and every DUer finds a friend and, together, the two of you pack your backpacks full of literature and information about why we should all vote for liberal/progressive (you pick the word you like best) candidates or causes.

Find the busiest street corner in your town and start handing out your literature and information.

A few people (not very many) will stop to talk. Some will argue. If they argue, just thank them and tell them you respect their right to their opinion. Don't waste your time talking to the nay-sayers. Keep handing out your brochures.

Before you do this, check the local laws and check with the ACLU about your rights to free speech. You can usually hand out information like this if you don't take more than a certain number of people and don't block pedestrian walkways or street traffic and do this in decidedly public locations. To be safe, double-check the ordinances in your town.

If you want to do this in a shopping mall or in front of a store, ask the store managers or mall manager for permission. If they don't give it, stand on the sidewalk at the entrance to the shopping mall. People won't be able to stop and talk, but you can hand out your printed materials.

You don't need to set up a tent to occupy. You just put on a hat to protect you from too much sun and have fun.

And it is fun. Just watching the surprised, often very happy expressions on people's faces is fun.

Farmers' markets and just outside farmers' markets is a good place to do this. Lots of independent thinkers. Lots of good people. Thinking people.

Remember, the point is to organize people who agree with you and strengthen their confidence that they are right, not persuade people who don't agree with you. You want to encourage those who are on your side and let them know that they matter.

If you find the right issues, you will be surprised at how many people will either agree with you or find your point of view to be very interesting. And if they find your point of view to be interesting, they might be willing to agree with you eventually. Make sure your facts are correct and give internet addresses where readers can get further information.

Attacking the excessive spending under Citizens' United is a great place to start. Check out Move to Amend for materials.

Most advocacy groups don't mind if you print out their materials and hand them out. They exist to help you out. (Same for Democrats. Xavier Becerra's website and Democratic organization websites are good sources for information.)

Good luck. This kind of "activism" is more fun than you would ever believe. You make lots of friends and gain a lot of confidence. The shyer you are, the more you will be amazed at how good you are at this.

In fact, once you overcome your fear of approaching people, you will also overcome a lot of your shyness and that is good for your life in general. So you will gain from this experience.

Remember, take a friend you can rely on and lots of printed information. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.