That really isn't true. Freerepublic taught me about public protest and how it can be effective. (And I was just a lurker for years.)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/787163/posts
Also, just a few weeks ago, (through FR) several people who didn't even know each other were planning public protests. One regarding the Dem. Gov. of Alabama who was defeated and wouldn't step down. The other regarding a visit by Al Gore to this state.
None of us had freeped before.
One issue you should consider is that since the election cycle has ended, there is less to do right now.