Never doubt that a small group...
June 12, 2010
of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Mead, anthropologist
That quote is used often enough - to support group efforts to make change happen in a community. I find it appropriate and necessary.
I'm fighting against an unfair issue myself, right now. And that quote is an important part of my focus. Because, in order to make change, one must be prepared to stand up and be counted. In order to get the proper attention, make the right people take notice, and force the right laws into passing, people must stand up for change.
Some folks think they can convince law makers to change unfair laws by refusing to shop in the particular area the law is prevalent in.
"I won't spend money there! They will be so sorry!" is how that goes.
Unfortunately, the area in which you're not spending your money very rarely experiences any negativity from that. It works like this: you not there - me not care. You're invisible is you're not there.
Unless YOU and THOUSANDS, not hundreds, THOUSANDS of others refuse to support that economy ... the area won't even notice you've chosen NOT to shop there. And not spending there puts others, innocent others, at risk. (note that in the greater scheme of things, even thousands is a small number - when compared to an entire city or state; think of our fight for independence - think of the civil rights movement - think of women achieving the right to vote; all changes that started with a small group of committed citizens)
The ONLY thing that actually causes change...is action. The ONLY way to educate the right people on why change is necessary...is action. People need to combine both voices and efforts. People need to stand up, with signs, if need be...and demand change. People need to write letters, visit the town hall, join forces and be heard. People need to blog, blog, blog... and not give up.
Yes, I know that "money talks"...but only LOTS of money. One person, two people, even a hundred people, unless they are wealthy and put their millions to the task, are a mere blip on the radar of a community committing unfair acts. Money is a poor substitute for action.
When thousands of voices come together, when thousands of voices say, "This is wrong and we DEMAND it be changed!" --- Only when thousands of voices, across the net, gather in one place, on one day, and tell the powers that be how wrong they are, will those in power take notice. When a group of committed citizens raises the call, when they insist on being heard and tell the politicians that if their message is ignored, the cry will only increase, the voices only grow louder, the purpose become more powerful; then, and only then, will change happen.
Only when a strong group of truly thoughtful and totally committed citizens join forces, can change happen.
If you are a pet lover and/or a pet blogger, help change the Breed Specific Law in Denver, CO. Come to BlogPaws West in September and join the committed bloggers who demand the Denver pit bull ban be overturned.
Comments