Have you ever heard this African proverb?
The concept is pretty straightforward. We can accomplish a lot of great things through persistence and quick action. But we can overcome entirely different barriers when we opt into partnering with others. It’s how we’ve developed as a social species.
Yet when it comes to engaging with politics – at least here in America – it seems many of us are perfectly willing to ignore the wisdom in this proverb. Why is that? Why, even when we are perturbed by the status quo, are we so unlikely to join a team trying to change that status quo?
Our politics are immensely personal. Even more so at a time when partisan rancor drives wedges between family members, friends and colleagues alike. It’s not unreasonable to expect that as the vitriol increases, the vast majority are willing to shy away from publicly engaging in a dialogue when they stand to lose so much.
But the reality of our political system is that it was designed to move slowly, thoughtfully, and incrementally. That grinding, halting mechanism means we simply can’t go fast. So what does that leave us?
Well, if we truly want to accomplish anything in advocacy, that leaves us only one option: we must go together.
One of the most common questions I receive in advocacy trainings, after speeches, and on social media is: where do we start if we want to get involved?
It’s an understandable question. The process, the politics, and the people involved in the public debate on the issues of our day are invariably intimidating and confusing. We’re dealing with complex issues through complex systems managed by complicated people. And it’s hard to figure out just where to begin.
My simple answer is this: find the group of people who will help you to continue showing up, and they will take you further. They will boost your endurance. They will help you land in cumulative and iterative touch points with those in power, helping you build credibility and remain in the infinite game that is advocacy.
What does that look like? Here are my top 3 recommendations on next steps:
1. Join a trade association – an organization representing the interests of those who do the same work that you do. Every industry has them, and they always need committed volunteers.
2. Identify and support a non-profit with an advocacy focus. Many charities do great work in delivering services directly to those in need. Not all charities work to change the systems that stand in the way of eliminating the need for those services. Find the ones that have a thoughtful political action strategy and your assistance could leave a greater, longer lived impact.
3. Join a civic organization. Sometimes you won’t have a cause driving your engagement. Not all issues are our issues. But even in those times, organizations like your local Rotary club can help keep you informed of what’s going on in your own backyard. At a time when we are all a bit more insular, these groups play an important role in opening our minds to the broader world around us. Further, they can expand our network and help us find those trade associations and non-profits that so need our help.
Trust me, I get it. Politics is off-putting on its best days. It’s downright toxic just about every other day. But the designed friction of our system means we can’t go fast. That only leaves us one option if we truly want to seek change: we have to go together.
P.s. Did you notice what didn’t make the list? You don’t have to chose the political party route. You can be incredibly successful as an advocate without adding to that partisan rancor. Ask me about it some day.
Part of the Possible 