Hit "Send": You'll Be Glad You Did

Got an issue that's burning your bacon? Stop grumbling and do something about it. Write an email to the person who heads your local school board and express yourself. The email address is usually available in the city-government pages of your local phone book. Or do an online search for your community's Web site and it'll be there.

There's nothing like a report from the field to give the politicos a sense of what works and what doesn't. Don't get personal, but do communicate concern. Better still, offer suggestions for change along with your note.