Progress requires sustained effort. If we are to stay engaged for the “long haul,” the energy we put in must be renewed.
A Positive Feedback Loop
Working with others in a concerted effort leads to progress. There are always wins, both large and small. Seeing the passion of others and the fruits of your common efforts instills hope. It lifts aspirations and generates energy. It is empowering.
Benefits of Focused Effort
Most of us don’t have a lot of time and energy for citizen action. Choosing where to focus our efforts isn’t easy. We can allow our attention to shift from one area to another, without really “digging into” any one cause, or we can choose a cause, and focus our efforts there.
When attention is constantly shifting, it is almost impossible to keep track of the successes in the different areas. You only see the wins that get widespread attention, and those can be few and far between. When you are “spread thin,” it can be difficult to recognize the vital part your efforts play. An unfocused approach can be more demoralizing than energizing.
When you focus efforts, you are better able to build connections and discover others who are acting as effective agents of change in the area you are focused on. Through connections, you see the incremental wins. You are more likely to build a positive feedback loop of hope and action.
Where to Focus?
Taking a focused approach requires some difficult decisions. There are so many causes in desperate need of attention. Which one should you focus on? Climate change? Universal health care? Democracy reforms (e.g., ranked choice voting or proportional representation)? Voting rights? Education? Affordable housing? LGBTQ rights? Mass incarceration? Homelessness? Living wage? Basic income? Immigration policy? Progressive tax reform? Transparency and ethics in government? Environmental protection? The list goes on and on.
There is no “right” answer. It’s a personal choice.
Learn about the areas we have chosen to focus on, and why, in the Issues pages. If one of the issues at the top of our agenda sparks your passion, use this site to explore what you can do to become a champion for change in that area. If not, we hope you find others to join with to work on a cause closer to your heart.