Conversations with Local Organizers Reveal How Unity Transforms Frustration into Lasting Change
In the midst of the current political chaos, it is more apparent that we must now create additional energy to combat the ongoing threat to our democracy. What is noticeable is the lack of effective organization and more consistent efforts to address those obvious threats to the democracy we have come to know and cherish.
Our quest, for an effective mechanism, on the journey towards change, must focus on getting organized in order to affect changes in the quality of life in our communities.
It is well known that there are multiple community based organizations, composed of many very dedicated people, who are engaged in doing the “groundwork” of organizing. I am quite sure many of us have heard the slogan: “Don’t agonize – organize!”.
I had the opportunity to speak with Sofia, an organizer with TOPS – Texas Organizing Project, who related the following:
“When you get organized, you’re coming together with your neighbors, your church members, your co-workers, or any group of people who want to fight to fix an injustice. When we organize, we go from individual problems to issues that share a common root. We make plans to tackle those roots together with ordinary folks, just like you and me , growing in and demonstrating the leadership to light the way forward.”
Along with the foregoing testimony, I also engaged Mari Nella, who has a history of working with organized labor, has studied Labor and Employee Relations at the George Meany National Labor College, among her many endeavors. She related the following insight:
“It is always beneficial for individuals to find groups with common interests – whether it is farm co-ops, homeowner associations, alliances, federations, brotherhoods, guilds, or unions – to provide common support and courage to pursue needed change. Community organizing is important because it gives people an important voice and with that collective voice comes empowerment. When people come together to organize, they can build powerful community coalitions. These coalitions can raise awareness of important issues such as housing, healthcare, poverty and education. Community organizing allows individual collective voices the ability to influence decision-makers. That’s a powerful tool for positive change. By empowering individuals, amplifying voices, and mobilizing communities, organizing can bring people together to address social, economic, and environmental issues.”
For added measure, I spoke with a Disaster Relief Specialist, how being organized affects her approach to her work. Diane related that she expected that
Being organized will help me feel more in control of my daily life. Organization saves me time and I don’t like to have to rush. It brings me a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that I’m managing my responsibilities effectively and it reduces stress and anxiety.
Like the community-based groups that paved the way, you see the building blocks in place to get organized. Labor has proven time and again that when working people stand together, organization brings strength, especially on the job.
We don’t have to look far to find opportunities to get organized and make meaningful change — the path to improving the quality of life in our communities starts right here at home.
