Social media web sites and services such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Tumblr have transformed the face of politics and grassroots campaigns.

If you don't have the funds or resources to dedicate to designing an independent website to support your cause; there are plenty of free online resources to use to draw boaters and local attention to your cause. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Facebook.com: Create a group and invite friends who support your cause. Post comments on local existing business pages to gather an audience.
• Twitter.com: Post short messages to your followers focusing on your cause.
• YouTube.com: Create a compelling video and post it to YouTube; include a link to it in traditional grassroots measures- emails, letters, etc.
• MeetUp.com: Use this site to find others who share your interest or cause, then plan and attend meetings in person.
• Change.org: Use this interface to start an online petition and gain supporters via electronic signatures.
• Patch.com: This community-specific news and information platform allows readers to add events to the community calendar or even send in news tips to the local editor.

*Note: BoatUS is in no way affiliated with the above organizations or websites.

Blog about it: Create a "homebase" to send all of your followers and supporters you find using the above means. Blog hosting sites such as WordPress.com are a great, free way to post about the progress of your campaign.

Searching the "FAQ's" and "Help" sections of the above sites are the best ways to get started. It is very important to monitor each of these sites to address questions, post updates; share ideas and interact with your new supporters.