Participate in Democracy

Apply for naturalization
Get informed and inform others
Speak up
Attend town hall meetings
Grassroots lobbying
Volunteer for community service
Vote
Register people to vote
Volunteer for a campaign of a candidate you support
Communicate with your elected representatives
Run for office

VA:http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Voter_Information/Voter_Rights_Responsibilities.html
MD: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html
DC: http://www.dcboee.org/voterreg/vic_step1.asp