Peaceful · Lawful · Persistent · Collective

Actions log

Every action logged is a data point.

Every action logged is a data point. Every data point is part of a pattern. Patterns reveal which officials respond, which ignore, and which issues gain traction over time. The Actions Log tracks date, issue, target, action taken, and response received. It takes thirty seconds to fill in. Over weeks and months, it becomes a record of sustained, collective pressure — and proof that the work is real.

What the Actions Log Is

The Actions Log is a simple spreadsheet with one row per action. Every time a letter is sent, a call is made, a FOIA request is filed, or a public comment is submitted — it gets logged. Date, issue, target, action taken, response received.

That is it. Thirty seconds per entry.

Over time, the log becomes something more valuable than any single action: a documented record of sustained, persistent engagement across issues, officials, and tactics. That record is useful for tracking patterns, coordinating with a group, motivating continued participation, and building the kind of cumulative evidence that supports journalism, oversight, and accountability.

09. Actions_log.xlsx

How to Make It Your Own

The log in this library contains example entries to show how it works. Before using it, make a personal copy and clear the example data so it reflects only your own actions.

Here is how:

If you use Google Sheets:

Click the link below to open the Actions Log
Go to File → Make a copy — this saves it to your own Google Drive
Select all the example rows below the header row
Delete them — the column headers stay, the example data is gone
Start logging your own actions from the first empty row

If you prefer Excel or another spreadsheet app:

Click the link below to open the Actions Log
Go to File → Download → Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
Open the downloaded file
Select and delete all example rows below the header
Save it and start logging

For a group:

Make one shared copy in Google Drive and share it with your group members
Everyone logs their own actions in the same sheet
The group's cumulative record becomes visible to all — and far more motivating than individual tracking alone

What to Log

The log tracks eight fields — fill in what you know, leave blank what you don't:

Action Date — when the action was taken
Issue — the topic or demand (e.g., "Supreme Court Ethics Reform")
Target — who was contacted (e.g., "Rep. Ryan," "Sen. Gillibrand," "Amazon")
State / District — your state or congressional district
Source — where the template or prompt came from (e.g., "This library," "ACLU," "Self")
Action Taken — what was done (e.g., "Email sent," "Call made," "Petition signed")
Response Received — Yes or No
Response Date — when the response arrived
Notes — anything worth remembering

Why Logging Responses Matters

Silence is a data point too.

When officials respond — log it. When they don't — log that. Over time, a pattern of non-response becomes its own form of evidence and escalation justification. It also tells a group where to focus follow-up pressure.