We Americans "do politics" to get things done, to add a crossing guard to a dangerous corner, to dismantle a barrier to civil rights, to stop a bogus pre-emptive war, to support leaders whose share our vision, or bring down those we oppose. We get involved when a friend simply asks, won’t you help me right this wrong?
WeDemocrats.org is a true grassroots organization, 100% volunteer-powered sustained by small donor funding.
As a people-powered organization, we are intensely and directly connected to community needs and values.
We know a lot about the importance of community and community-based political engagement.
If we are to save American democracy, everything we do needs to incorporate the value of community and give deference and voice to the power of we-the-people.
Nothing is more repugnant to America's ruling elite than the notion that every man, however broke and insignificant, can participate in our system of government.
As a true grassroots organization, WeDems provides a pathway to community-based political connection. Our focus on state and local issues appropriately keeps the center of power with the people whose lives are affected by political decisions, and helps to maintain the checks and balances etched into the soul of American democracy.
American democracy depends on a system of decentralized power.
Community political engagement does not require a rural small town environment, or even an organization like WeDems.
Everybody in every place intuitively and innately longs for community attachment. So, how do we bring more on-the-ground stakeholders into the process to reach solutions that really work?
You see, often people that you perceive as "slackers" simply need to be presented with the right situation to shine. I have been around long enough to see several people that I never thought would "make it" end up doing great things in areas that they weren’t involved in at all just a few years ago. The problem is finding or creating that perfect situation where you can shine!
Every person on this earth has incredible potential. I see it everyday. It isn’t judged on money, or how big your house is, but on whether or not you can look yourself in the mirror and say, "I did well. I made the most of what I have been given."
When parents hold their school boards accountable, when teenagers unite to demand a teen center, when neighborhood crime-watch groups are formed, when all people have equal access to influence their elected representatives, only then can we attain the necessary elements of transparency, accountability, and checks and balances that sustain and nourish our cherished democracy.
Management and responsibility to the members are what make or break an organization. Management must enable members to resolve voter concerns ... not impede them. Great people, given the proper tools, will propel any organization to the top.
We hope to attract serious volunteers who see WeDemocrats as a vehicle applying positive leverage to the campaign as it progresses.
Ok, you have read the whole letter, and I am sure are saying, "But Ron, what in the devil is GOAT?" First it got your attention didn’t it? I have been using GOAT for years when training young managers and sales people who complained that they couldn’t do something. I always told them to GOAT (Get Out And Try). We can achieve anything we want, if only we Get Out And Try!
Ron
Founder/CEO, WeDemocrats.org
Ron McBride is the author of numerous articles on Democracy. He is founder and Chair of WeDemocrats.org. His writings may be found at www.WeDemocrats.org and www.MyTown.ca plus blogs such as DailyKos and MyDD.