Be like a pebble in a pond

            A pebble tossed into a pond causes ripples to flow out from the center, an excellent analogy to political organizing. When setbacks stop us in our tracks, we can lose sight of options to respond. Keep going.

            Be the pebble in the political pond and create ripples of action. Begin organizing with those closest to us, our families and friends. Beyond that first circle, we can reach out to other circles in our lives, co-workers, neighbors, and connections in social organizations (sports teams, hobbies, churches, and charities). Each ripple beyond the first suggests possibilities of connection and social change. We can be the ripple spurring change.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

            Beyond the first ring, future steps start with organizing from the center out, focusing on areas of interest where you are currently involved or interested. Start organizing the issues where you have connections and contacts, such as volunteering at your children’s school, working at a food bank, making phone calls for climate justice, and challenging income inequality. Connect and volunteer with established organizations, an immigrant center, Planned Parenthood, or a rape crisis center. Join a neighborhood center or volunteer with social services for seniors and youth. Initiate a study group around a topic and theme that addresses major social issues, racism, misogyny, immigration, the opioid epidemic, income inequality, climate change, and the like. Connect. Engage. Organize. No organization to follow? Create your own and begin that organizing. 

            Expand your range, contact national and international agencies to find out what you can do locally, and maybe organize a local chapter. Don’t wait for the hero to arrive on a white horse and save the day—be that hero and organize.

            “Don’t mourn, organize!”  Joe Hill

Tim Lennon