Consider the thoughts and actions of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. He said in a book chapter entitled, "Why Organize? Problems and Promise in the Inner City" - before entering Harvard Law School - that change occurs when groups of people obtain and use power. The book, After Alinsky which houses the chapter, was first published in the August/ September 1988 Illinois Issues, [published by then-Sangamon State University]
"... (T)he problems facing inner-city communities do not result from a lack of effective solutions but from a lack of power to implement these solutions...the only way for communities to build long-term power is by organizing people and money around a common vision and a viable organization can only be achieved if a broadly based indigenous leadership — and not one or two charismatic leaders — can knit together the diverse interests of their local institutions."
Although he specified inner-city issues, his ideas can apply anywhere groups of people feel suffering and want to do something about it. It's called grassroots organizing.
In other words, two dedicated individuals working together can be better than one. Team up with someone who is like-minded, whose skill set is complimentary or who has good listening skills. A group can be formed from this point.
Checklist or inventory your goals first
Most people who want to become involved in local politics already know how to do so, but lack details.They lack the details needed to start out with a bang in the right direction. Sometimes people start with the best intentions, but get bogged down in the muck and the mire. Some tire of in-fighting and give up. Some people simply lose their way or their fight but at any rate, no longer want to be involved and sink back into the feeling of hopelessness and despair. There is a way to start on the right course instantly.
Find a need in the community or find a cause
Get out in your community. Start with speaking regularly with your neighbors and the people who work in your community. Besides the obligatory hellos and what's ups, have a genuine conversation about a community related event or problem. Stares and uneasiness may occur during this process. Do not become discouraged, find a receptive ear.
Find out where your community center is and make use of it
The process of accessing city services is an education in and of itself. If the process is next to impossible to navigate, alert the councilman of that area and talk about. Remember, don't give up if this person cannot immediately be contacted. Visit his or her office.
Look to the local school board
If there are open positions, consider running for election. Study up on the important issues and find or build a base of like-minded individuals. Maybe asking someone who is qualified to run for the position would be a good decision. Brainstorm ideas whenever possible.
President Obama, at the time he wrote the book chapter, was the director of Developing Communities Project in Chicago when he wrote the book chapter according to "Illinois Issues" a website for the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Obama, for three years, toiled in his community helping the helpless become not so helpless anymore. In his case, it led to the highest office in America, but on a more local level, it can lead to better city services, a better school system and less complaining about how bad things are while eliminating the feeling of hopelessness.
Tips
- Checklist or inventory your goals first
- Find out where your community center is and make use of it
- Look to the local school board
- Team up with like-minded individuals
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