Reflecting on the past and looking to the future is always personal. Where have I been, what have I done, how do I move forward, and what do I need to do to make the future better than the past? Personal goals expand into the future of your family, kids, and future generations. Things beyond yourself. What is my part in that journey for the betterment of mankind? While we do a little soul searching at the beginning of each year and are suddenly met with news of loss, tragedy, and what appears to be an imperialistic takeover of other countries in the world, we have to reflect on our part in this lack of humanity and fair, rational, and clear outcomes or reasoning. The initial impulse is to lash out, become agitated, and loud. While that feels good and expression of outrage is cathartic, does it change the world around you? Maybe. Does it change others minds? Maybe. Does it stiffen opposing views/values more? Maybe. Does it build opposition resistance’s, resolve, and anger even deeper? Maybe. What I do know is that actively speaking out does give permission for others to join you in doing the same. It builds solidarity between strangers over common ground. It builds a wave of influence to possibly enable critical thinking into WHY someone is opposing a policy or act, and builds a groundswell of influence over the public.
Evaluation of what approach used needs to have a time and place to move the needle toward a future that bright and sustainable. Using your voice in more subtle ways is equally important. I often think of Obama in places where he was speaking, and angry opposition was present. His approach was to lead people back to the law and doing the hard work to CHANGE the laws if they are NOT meeting the people’s needs. Elections and laws have consequences and it is “We the People” who need to put pressure on our lawmakers to do the right thing “For the People”. Building coalitions with others based on your values and focusing on issues of importance make real tangible impact. It’s hard. It takes time. It results in impactful changes for all and not just a few.
There are many things that are near and dear to my heart that need progressive changes:
- Addressing Climate change
- Healthcare for all
- Iowa’s health/cancer crisis
- Sustainable farming
- Improving our food chain for a healthy America
- Civil Liberties for all including bodily autonomy
- Humane treatment of our people (immigrants and citizens)
- Following the laws and freedom to influence change in the laws
- Voting freely
- Consequences for lawless branches of government
The only way we can enshrine the laws around these issues are through voting for candidates that align with your values, and changing laws to protect people in the United States of America with fair and judicial processes. This means, you have to be willing to compromise too. There is no room for “my way or the highway” mentality in this world or a one issue voter (while this does exist, it is shortsighted). Embracing the diversity this country provides, means we need to evaluate our personal values and use that as the smell test for what is right or wrong and build from there. Do I care about others? Do I have empathy for things I’ve never personally lived through? Do I have a moral code and what is it? Do I value diversity in thought? Can I look at the big picture for the greater good of all? These are the things we need to get right within our own minds before we can do the work that is required to enact positive change.
Roll up your sleaves, do the work, bring people together on common ground issues, and make a difference in our policies as the local, state, and federal level for the improvement of life of ALL Americans. The work you choose to do may be small or large. It may be as simple as calling a representative, folding or handing out flyers, coming to a meeting, or just speaking privately to your friends or family about issues you do or don’t support. It might be as big as organizing a rally, being part of a phone bank, hosting postcard writing parties, or working for someone’s campaign. Whatever you do, do IT! Every little bit helps and we all need to find our voice in chaos and stay strong for the direction and future of our country, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy. This is how you use your voice. YOU matter and YOU make a difference. Speak up and SPEAK OUT NOW!
