Step It Up: I'm baking cookies Nov. 3. You?

So Step It Up -- a big grass-roots enviro day of action -- happens Nov. 3. You in?

People across the U.S. are putting together all manner of events, but all with the same goal: to make Congress 1) cut carbon 80% by 2050, 2) create green jobs, and 3) prevent new coal-fired power plants.

Why the focus on Congress? Personal action is great, but we have to get the government to take action too. The unofficial motto of Step It Up, according to Bill McKibben's new book "Fight Global Warming Now": "Screw in a lightbulb, and then screw in a new federal energy law."

We're less than two weeks away from Step It Up -- so chances are, if you haven't already started organizing an event, you're not planning to start one now. That's not a critique -- I'm not personally organizing one either. My birthday's Nov. 1, and planning for that PLUS a big event Nov. 3 is just not feasible for me.

But I'll definitely be taking part in Step It Up! Here's a three-step guide to getting involved:

1. Pick an event. My plan is to hit the Global Warming Rally in front of the Federal Building at 11000 Wilshire Blvd., mainly because the event is close to me and easily accessible via Metro 720.

A few other events are planned for the L.A.-area too: An as-of-yet bare-bones initiative in Venice, a picnic in Griffith Park and a sign display in Pasadena. If you're closer to those, get involved there!

2. Invite political leaders. Just plug in your ZIP Code here, select your chosen event, then send a message to your elected officials via e-mail, phone or letter inviting them to your Step It Up event.

3. Get involved in your event. To be honest, the Global Warming Rally I plan to attend doesn't sound terribly unique at the moment. Ingrid, the organizer, says the event will have a cellphone and ink cartridge recycling fundraiser (good, but not anything new), a speaker from a green company (Bo-rr-ing --), and perhaps a free screening of a new movie by by Morgan Spurlock about overconsumption.

But hey, participants can make any event more interesting! One idea I have: A dessert potluck, with each dish made with locally grown or produced ingredients. Anyone who wants to can bring yummy cookies or cupcakes or whatever, connecting larger policy issues with local agriculture and slow food initiatives -- while giving participants and passersby something delish to nibble on.

Who's with me? Anyone else want to Step It Up and start baking?