Organizers Rock!

Many organizations have been working through the low energy years to keep a vision of a better world alive. On the KUNM talk show yesterday, I called in and commented about the role of organizers. The show had some strong organizers on, like Roberta and Hakim.

The comment was a response to a listener confused about organizers and pay.

My comment was essentially that - the vast majority of organizers are not paid. Organizers do what they do out of caring about people. We care about ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our communities - and beyond. That caring gives us a responsibility to act. For organizers that action is organizing.

We organize to hold government accountable to its main functions - protecting people, and providing a common wealth in which to thrive.

Protection is not blowing up other countries. Protection means poison-free communities, safe neighborhoods, and making sure things are fair - like paying women equal to men.

The common wealth is what we all create collectively. Making sure we have good schools, infrastructure and support is part of that. How can we all pursue "life, liberty, and happiness" if we do not have health care? Or if we can't afford quality education? Or if people with non-mainstream opinions are blocked out of the political system?

That's why we organize. I'm glad to be among the circle of paid and unpaid community organizers who provide the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness for all.