So here is what I am not: I’m not a web designer. I’m not a computer programmer. I’m not a techie geek (although I have aspirations to be so). I’m just a girl with a personal blog, but Net Neutrality affects everyone with an email address. I have had several of my computer guru friends try to explain why this issue is so important, but to be honest I just didn’t get it. So first, I watched this video and it really helped:

Check it out on YouTube.

I think Public Knowledge does a great job, but occasionally in life you need more guidance. When I want to learn about technology and internet policy I turn to the wisest woman of all — Alyssa Milano! She’ll tell you Who’s the Boss? — Ok, so I tried to hard there. I’ll just continue. Here are a few key FAQs from Save The Internet:

• What is this about?

This is about Internet freedom. “Network Neutrality” — the First Amendment of the Internet — ensures that the public can view the smallest blog just as easily as the largest corporate Web site by preventing Internet companies like AT&T from rigging the playing field for only the highest-paying sites.But Internet providers like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast are spending millions of dollars lobbying Congress to gut Net Neutrality. If Congress doesn’t take action now to implement meaningful network neutrality provisions, the future of the Internet is at risk.

• What is network neutrality?

Network Neutrality — or “Net Neutrality” for short — is the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet. Net Neutrality ensures that all users can access the content or run the applications and devices of their choice. With Net Neutrality, the network’s only job is to move data — not choose which data to privilege with higher quality service. Net Neutrality is the reason why the Internet has driven economic innovation, democratic participation, and free speech online. It’s why the Internet has become an unrivaled environment for open communications, civic involvement and free speech.
Now you know what everyone is talking about, and hopefully why it is so important. Next step — ACTION!
1. Blog About it!

You aren’t alone.

2. Call your Representative or Senator and let them know what you think!

I have done a lot of political work. Your calls and emails really make a difference. If you can imagine that a small Representative office receives 30-40 calls a day from constituents? Imagine if half of the calls they receive on a given day are about Net Neutrality! That would make a statement, and it only means you need to get 15 friends to make calls with you. It doesn’t matter if your Rep is on the Energy and Commerce Committee or not. Tell them you vote, and this is an issue you care about. It’s easy. It matters.

Find you Congressperson’s contact info HERE.

3. Write a Letter to the Editor

The first thing interns do in the morning on Capitol Hill in DC is clip Letters to the Editor and put them on your Congressperson’s desk. It is a direct line to the decision makers. Make them hear the issue.

There is no excuse Save the Internet has a Letter to the Editor Builder.

4. Sign the Petition.

5. And if all that fails — let the ninja explain.

Here are a few other great resources:

• Common Cause
• Save the Internet
• FreePress Net