This is my first post to the JP blog and I hope to record some of my experiences as I work with the "fully activated precincts" initiative (committee) here in Tulsa.
A few thoughts on grassroots work:
1. I (we) need to define more clearly what it means to be "progressive" so that we can use this term with clarity and pride when doing precinct work. I am looking for "sound bites", not long philosophical debates. How would you define what it means to be progressive in a few sentences?
2. I (we) need to listen -- a lot. Remember Sen. Clinton's "listening tours"? She took a lot of teasing in the media for this, but I have found in other organizing work I do that it is essential.
3. We all need to deal with our own frustration, indignation and downright disgust at what "they" are doing BEFORE we go out to organize our precincts. I think people are looking for hope and the possibility of believing in democracy once again. They don't need to hear our gripes.
I will post again after our first FAP committee meeting in Tulsa. And, I'd be interested in what others have to say about grassroots organizing.
Sheila Swearingen
Precinct 46
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