I would like to have a series of substantive discussions on ...

[ismnotwasm]

137. The big changes would take years, I agree

Last edited Thu Apr 16, 2015, 08:05 AM - Edit history (1)

Remembering we have an entire party filled with millions of people that not only does not believe the way we do, also will fight those changes every step of the way is part of reality based politics. In those cases, remembering we are the constituency of the Democratic party, and our voices do matter (it's why I get 50 emails a day for one cause or another, usually asking for money, sometimes asking for written support AND money) that's a case of staying steady, keeping an eye on the party platform, and not getting seduced by conspiracy theories or distracted by nonsense.

One of the reasons I still like DU is even though I might occasionally read the most egregious crap, I do pause and takes time to research what is truth. For instance, finding a particular politicians voting record and actually reading it. Looking at the committees served on, the actual accomplishments and what they mean, rather than try to process some meme heard over and over. I realize that this isn't how many people operate, but it's helpful to know, rather than repeat.


For actual changes, Starting at the local level is far more realistic. I think making political activism rewarding would encourage participation. "Working phones and knocking on doors" for particular candidates is admirable, but not everybody's cup of tea. "A nightout dinner" at the local pea patch, is more fun.

So what else? Promoting involvement in local communities--many communities are doing this through social media, small parties and get togethers for events. I am seeing the use of social media to connect people increase. I'm a believer in programs meant for eradicating poverty, which starts with promoting food and shelter, but also education in populations that historically don't have a means or a pathway to do so. I also believe a country's state of health is as good as the the health of its most vulnerable members. Since we are a representative republic, what my state of Washington might do, isn't what the state of Minnasota is going to do-- this also complicates matters.
So to answer your question, a basic outline is needed. What are our goals? What has worked in the past? What is working now? Who is interested in involvement? The people who care for a living? Nurses and teachers? This is the delicate place where certain belief systems--such as faith in a religion, already have infrastructure in place for outreach. (As long as it isn't hate-based religion) do we join with them?
I have friends who work in post-prison education for instance. A Native American friend who works in outreach programs on reservations to battle substance abuse. Friends that work for the homeless. Each direction is a stand alone, but they can and do connect.