This is the question posed by former Congresswoman, state legislator, and political activist, Jolene Unsoeld in her political biography.  What are you gonna do about it?  Stories of a hopeless meddler is an exploration of how this question drove her to accomplish what she did during her decades of political crusading.  In Jolene’s own words from the book’s introduction,

​

This is not a comprehensive blow-by-blow account of my career in politics. I have chosen, instead, to tell my story as a series of essays and talks I have given: stories of my days as a citizen watchdog activist, of my two terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, and the three terms I served in the U.S. Congress. And finally, a selection of talks from my ongoing work on a variety of issues dear to my activist heart.

​

           As for why Jolene wrote this book, she makes this very clear! 

​

I want my writing to serve as a spark to motivate young people to take part fully in the world of human affairs. Each chapter will hopefully present a lesson, or provide a glimmer of what worked for me. This will guide how others— you, for instance— can take on important issues and succeed!

​

In other words, this book is another of Jolene’s efforts to make the world a better place.