For my part, and I think I’m not the only one, it’s not so much apathy as not knowing what can be done. What are the local organizations that you’re talking about? How do you find out about them? What are they doing to get the word out of how people can help? How are they empowering people so they know that they can make a difference?
You just have to start: Is there a local elected official - city council, county judge, state rep. - you like? Call his or her campaign and volunteer. Is there one you really hate? Call his *opponent's* campaign and volunteer.