I don’t recall now if it fell on me because I was also sponsoring mentorship of the family or whether we all went on a quest for that notable for that first dedication. I knew I had one possible (state rep) because I had been his child's first special needs teacher. Then I remembered the just elected mayor of a small town in a neighboring county. Very big deal as she was the first woman mayor albeit of a small southern town..
During my classroom breaks I cold called her. She said yes & we communicated details during my classroom breaks. Groundbreaking & dedication happened with newspapers in attendance. Photo ops galore for both political speakers I invited.
I did not see or speak to this mayor again (after my formal thank you note)
Little did I know that over a decade later, this same mayor would be in a position to set into motion an emergency congressional investigation over a major fubar effecting the entire state-solely based on the details of a letter packet I sent her. A letter that she actually read because she remembered me calling her out of nowhere for a noble cause.
To be honest,, I counted on the newly elected mayor to want to build up news ops and good deeds to further any political aspirations. However, I did not count on a state senator to recall this decades old event or me (or offer me a job)
Point being, no matter what organization one becomes involved in, one will meet or get to know those with the know how, connections or power to make things happen. At minimum, one will be mentored, shown the ropes or remembered.
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I think it is very important to point out how volunteering is key to community organizing/support. Sometimes one finds out firsthand what the hidden needs are.
I want folks to know that one does not need special skillsets & that this avenue has the potential to be put in direct contact with those who can move things along politically.
I also want folks to realize that you do not need a lot of money to donate food or clothing. (Buy one get one free-donate that extra item is one way)
There is an immediate impact as opposed to taking to the streets or letter writing. Although one can do all of it as well. But for those who can’t take it to the streets, there is a plethora of volunteer opportunities.
Does not matter what political party someone belongs to if things need to get done. The once mayor turned senator is a Republican as were the majority of folks who were working hard to create a Habitat for Humanity presence in our area. I care more about coalition building wherever possible.
One of my biggest concerns is what impact it will have on local communities if safety nets are altered by the incoming administration. I know what empty shelves looked like in area food pantries during the last Republican presidency and how far income/food insecurity spread.
These types of local safety nets need to be heavily supported- starting now- & sustained for the duration.