Many people are scared to make a statement, afraid to stake a stand because its not popular, terrified\u00a0of being\u00a0laughed at or worse afraid that no one cares.<\/p>\n
The hardest thing you will ever do is to take an action on something you believe in and not even because you’re afraid. \u00a0It’s because we live in a world where we have become immune to the struggles of others. \u00a0Disconnecting from our own personal bubble to recognize our absolute requirement to participate in the laws and policies of our country? \u00a0Not likely. \u00a0Every activist must find that place in themselves that forces that first step into saying no. \u00a0This is wrong. \u00a0And I’m not going to participate in it\u00a0any longer.<\/p>\n
Every activist has their own unique gift and vision. \u00a0Maybe they\u00a0can build\u00a0a website or make a video or write\u00a0an article or maybe its just that they can charm the pants off anyone.<\/p>\n
Identify the problem and begin your research.<\/p>\n
What happened in your story? \u00a0What made you so passionate? \u00a0What propelled you to act? \u00a0What skills do you bring to the table and who do you know who shares your concerns?<\/p>\n
Depending on the issue, establish who in government has jurisdiction. \u00a0Is it a City Issue? \u00a0Is it a County issue? \u00a0Is it a State issue? \u00a0Is a Federal Issue.<\/p>\n
Begin a dialogue with your elected official. \u00a0Start with field staff and work your way up. \u00a0You will quickly learn where you need to go and who has the power to effect change. \u00a0If you don’t get\u00a0support, time to call in the troops. \u00a0Electeds hate nothing more than to get a hundred irate phone calls from irritated\u00a0constituents.<\/p>\n
The biggest piece of advice we can give is don’t give up, continue to find inspiration and don’t be hyper focused on the outcome. \u00a0The rabbit hole goes pretty darn deep, so you’re going to lose some battles, the goal \u00a0is to change minds, to disseminate information and to stay engaged.<\/p>\n
Whenever I get discouraged and feel like I can do no more, I watch this video and \u00a0find hope again. \u00a0This is the quote that always reminds me why we do what we do. \u00a0Because we should. \u00a0Because its the right thing to do.<\/p>\n
My friend, the legendary organizer Ernesto Cortez, talks about the power to preserve what \u00a0we value.\u00a0 That\u2019s what this movement is all about\u2026both for ourselves and on behalf of Democracy\u2026Power concedes nothing without a struggle, even with most Americans on our side the odds are all money fights hard and it fights dirty….\u00a0 Some people have questioned the wisdom of taking on such powerful \u00a0interests but here is what Velasquez says:\u00a0 It\u2019s okay if it\u2019s impossible.\u00a0 It\u2019s okay.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to speak to you as organizers.\u00a0 Listen carefully.\u00a0 The object is not to win.\u00a0 That\u2019s not the objective.\u00a0 The objective is to do the good and \u00a0right thing.\u00a0 If you decide not to do anything, because its too hard or too impossible, then\u00a0nothing\u00a0will be done.\u00a0 And\u00a0when you\u2019re on your death bed, you\u2019re gonna say, I wish I had done something.\u00a0 But if you go and do the right thing now long enough, he says, good things WILL happen.\u00a0 Something\u2019s gonna happen.\u00a0 Shades of Howard Zinn.<\/em><\/p>\n
Bill Moyers<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Be the Change,<\/p>\n
Laura<\/p>\n