Lessons for building a stronger movement as noted in the image below is a reminder of how the country should be. Not divided but “…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. Our movement should always focus on building relationships in our personal, political, and every day lives.
Imperfect Allies Aren’t Enemies
You may not agree with everyone. So what? Nobody is going to agree 100 percent but we have to come together on the big issues and direction. We need to be agile and think on our feet. You may be progressive on some issues, and conservative on other issues, or somewhere in between. The objective should be that we create allies and focus on a direction that will lead to progress and positive results for all human rights and values. The goal is to get to a finish line on issues we align with and help each other out on the issues we are passionate about.
Critique to Build, Not Tear Down
Building a relationship with others should always focus on building each other up, not tearing each other down. When your engage in critiquing someone else’s views on an issue, ask yourself, “how can I provide positive and open dialog on the issue?”. What are the opposing facts I can bring forward and what issues might the other person be focused on that we might agree on fundamentally? Be soft in delivery and listen first, build on what you hear, and present opposition if needed, without anger or attacking others views.
Organize, Don’t Just Argue
Arguing never gets anyone anywhere. It leads to hate and walls. Organizing and building momentum is where we need to focus. It makes people curious, it opens peoples minds to other possibilities when there is a force of people who speak out is as a single voice. Organizing with a purpose to help others, spreading kindness, building the fractured communities is a way for people to reconcile the words with the actions. As my momma always said, “Actions speak louder than words”.
Movements Win, Not Individuals
You can’t do this alone. We have to organize and create a wave/movement toward progress. We don’t live in the golden age any more so we all have to create a wave toward a future goal. One person can’t create change, but if we organize, we can create a movement to improve the lives for ourselves, family, and friends. Focusing on basic civil rights as we are all human, this movement requires us to all be moving toward a future that we can ALL thrive in regardless of your background.
Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
The definition of progress is “forward or onward movement toward a destination”. Our destination is clear; unity and independence to be who we want/need to be. Freedom for all within a caring society who looks out for all mankind and our assets in this world. Nothing is perfect and our goals may not be perfect but the desired results must always be our guiding light. We can not succumb to analysis paralysis, we move forward taking baby steps and self correcting along the way. Do something, anything toward making progress and evaluate the results to continue course correction. Be agile!
Ego Kills Movements
We all know that we have to remain selfless. If you identify as one type of person or with one type of beliefs, that’s great, but don’t let your ego of being “RIGHT” get in the way of what a movement is required to do. Forward progress requires give and take, be willing to set your ego aside and build relationships. No I told you so’s or bitter grapes if you want a movement to be successful.
Plan for the Long Game
Look at the long game. What do you want this city, county, state, country to look like in 1, 5, or 10 years? What is the strategy to get there? Do you have a strategy to incorporate fresh ideas, new blood, and an evolving plan to get there? What is the important focus for each year? How are you going to measure success? How are you going to pivot if the goals are going off course? What is your Project 2030 look like for our local communities? This doesn’t have to be detailed but specific goals need to be set and measured for success.
Meet People Where They Are
While this is said a lot by many sources, what does it really mean? I believe it means that people come from different backgrounds and histories. Get to know the people you meet and their fundamental background. What’s important to them and build on that idea through a conversation. This could be one on one, in social media, meetings, churches, organizations, or just the stranger you strike up a conversation with. Build trust and listen first, then formulate a response that you feel honors their history but allow yourself to open then up with new ideas, thoughts that are non threatening to them. Be more inquisitive before new ideas are tossed out to gain trust and openness.
Power Doesn’t Care About Feelings
I’ve rarely found someone who has lots of power, who cares about your feelings. In business, it is always a “business decision” to support bottom line or stockholders. If you lose your job, it’s just business. Power is a green monster that feeds on others. This isn’t being cynical, it is reality when the corporate greed and power takes hold of leadership who has amassed unchecked power. Your feelings don’t matter if it stands in the way. I also know there are people in power who do care, people who lead with humility and sincere value of those they are in charge of. We need to value those around us and lead through example not power.
Division Is A Weapon Used By Elites
Look around in today’s world. This country and all the communities within it have been divided through misinformation, chaos, and lies by the elites. If you are among the 1% richest in the country, you can buy your messages, buy your politicians, and buy your legislation to position yourself for continued wealth. If the elites continue to rule the working class, they will continue to divide us so we continue to fight and never create a movement that will re-establish the power to the many and not the few. Let’s redraw the lines and lift the working class as majority representation in our government. “For the people, by the people….”
Don’t Play Along
Let’s not play along or get mad, but also never speak out or do anything about the current situation. Read/listen to reliable and proven news organizations, form your own opinions, look at current legislation being proposed or passed, and judge for yourself if this is truly the direction we want for this city, county, state, or country. Don’t listen to the ads, listen to the facts and voting records of your politicians. Form a fact based analysis of your leadership and react accordingly. It’s not a time for status quo. It’s a time to re-establish our voice in our country.
Join a movement, take a stand, and look to the future!