You look around your community, your state, and the nation and see the changes that need to happen. It’s daunting to think that you could make the change, but the truth is that’s why you are here! Your efforts and impact can be felt by others for future generations. How do you begin? Here are 5 things you can do this month to begin lasting change in your community. They are simple and, here’s the good news, they all start with you. They are skills you either have or can develop with practice and effort. The power to create lasting change is in you!
Start With a Cause Near to Your Heart
When working for a good cause in this world, you will always see obstacles, disappointments and distractions. Find your north star and set your efforts in the right direction so you can stay the course when you hit setbacks! The best way to find this is to think about why you want to make a difference.
Having a cause that you care deeply about will help you to bring your whole self (your passions, skills, and gifts) to the effort every day. It will inspire others around you to join your cause. During the hard moments, you’ll remain inspired and stay on course towards your vision for a better future.
At the Grassroots Leadership Academy, we look at what our society can be through the lens of The Principles of Human Progress. They are our north star. They are Dignity, Openness, Mutual Benefit, Bottom Up, and Self-Actualize. Whenever these have been followed in society, people flourish.
Find Others Who Feel the Same Call to Action
Find the people who feel the same needed change in the world as you do! They are all around you. As soon as you have your eyes focused on your north star, you will see the others working for the same goal.
- To begin your search for these partners, have one on one meetings with those in your circle. Then branch out to those recommended by your friends. The road to finding these people continues as long as you keep talking.
- Find local or state groups on social media that meet regularly and plan to join them for their next meeting. You will find that most are very welcoming of new, passionate partners.
Practice Telling Your Story
I was listening to the Dennis Prager Show in the car, and he said something that I’ve tried conveying to others as often as I can. The message was that your story may not be exciting to you, but it matters to someone else who hears it. I love this idea because I used to think my story of getting involved in K-12 education freedom was not interesting. Since I’ve followed his advice and shared my story, I’ve found more people inspired to take their own action.
- Write down the skeleton of your story. Focus on communicating why you decided to get involved.
- Practice it with people closest to you. Several things will begin to happen as you repeat it: you will begin to focus more on the parts that connect with others, and you will begin to be comfortable sharing it in various situation.
Your story will have tremendous impact on others and will draw them to you and your cause.
Spend Your Time on Actions That Interest You
I enjoy door to door canvassing!
Every time I say or write this, I can almost feel others around me gasping in shock and disbelief. I know the fears: talking to strangers on their doorstep, walking around the neighborhood, and being rejected with a slammed door. And yet, whenever I go out, I feel invigorated and feel that I’ve made a difference in the world. I can’t convey the fulfillment I get from talking to real people and discovering what they think about the issues they face. If I can’t convince you to like door knocking with me, that’s OK. We are all different in our likes and interests.
There are plenty of ways to advance your cause: many more than you can do. Find the ones with your limited time that you are passionate about, are good at, and that can actually move the needle. You will feel yourself learning and growing while doing what you love, and you’ll find victories that you never thought possible. Talk with your partners about some of the best things you can do and start there.
If what you love and do best doesn’t exist, create it! The best solutions come from those who have experienced the situation. There’s always room for innovation but be brave enough to give it up if it isn’t effective.
Focus On The Long-Term
I have worked on many issues over the years and have had my share of wins and losses. Despite these losses, I have been able to keep going because I remember why I am involved. Each set back has become a learning experience rather than a showstopper. Each effort has also given me some great long-term relationships that have helped me to be more effective than I ever thought I could.
As you focus on the long-term in your efforts, you will make better decisions, won’t let setbacks destroy your work, and you will be innovative when you need to be. Relish the relationships you do make. Each motion towards your goal matters.
Time to get started!
You can do it! Stay focused on your north star and partner with others of like mind around you. Your wins will become a defining accomplishment in your life. Most importantly, your light will allow others around you to overcome their barriers and begin to be forces for good.