A good friend of mine is running for LA Mayor.* I have gotten involved in local city politics simply because I can now.. care.
But something has stood out to me. I went to an Empowerment Congress at USC (
http://empowermentcongress.org/) and there was much talk about involving young adolescents into civic engagement with their local city government, because there is little to none.
So I started asking:
Why are people not involved in local city politics? I really want to believe that it is not outright apathy. When people say the overused term 'Knowledge is power,' they are not far from the actual truth. People are not aware, not knowledgeable, about how to be civically engaged. And even if people are, people, including myself, are not knowledgeable about how our participation in such duties can make an impact in the community we live, work, and do business in. So instead we go to the movies, go to Starbucks, play games, and never think about how to be active change agents in our communities (nor do we feel like we need to change anything either).
That's because if you are reading this, you are probably not the homeless one on the street not knowing if and where you will get your next night's sleep. Or you are not the business owner whose business is going down the drain, because people are not coming out at night... they just don't feel safe.
Perhaps we are content, and don't think that we want to 'make a change.' But really, if you look at the city you live and work in, is crime low? Why or why not?
How are your tax dollars being spent?
Do you feel safe in your community? why, or why not?
What type of businesses are close to you?
What would be ideal for you to have more of, where you live and work?
What information would you like, what services do you need, that you can have accessible in your local community so you don't have to commute a 25 mins drive for?
What is available in your city for the elderly to enrich their lives, so they wont be home and depressed because their lives are about to end?
What is available for people who have mental illness, a physical disability, or even for stay at home moms who can benefit from a program, or service, during the daytime in your community?
What type of education do people in your community need to either advance in their jobs, or to simply live a life enhanced?
Should any nasty liquor stores be turned into other types of business?
Should an abandoned corner be turned into a community garden?
Should any tagged up walls be turned into murals by the kids in the local school?
...I'm sure you can think of more questions we can answer. Let us know what they are!
Local city council decides how the tax dollars of your city are being spent... as a resident, you can advocate for funding for these type of programs...
why not live in a city that provides wraparound services to everyone in your community? Or if they do, why are they not well known?
why?
If people have their basic needs met, people will be less apt to do crime - and that impacts YOU and your home and your safety.
BongHwan Kim, previous general manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment of the city of Los Angeles, said something at this congress this past weekend that stood out to me... (the following is a paraphrase...):
People don't realize how much power they have. And government institutions do a really good job at painting the idea that people's involvement may not make a difference... but if you even get just 10 residents in your city to write personalized letters to your local city officials, they will pay attention, and may be forced to do something about it. Only, hardly anybody ever does.
I am no one to speak because I am not involved in local politics at all.
So what..?
I will start by simply knowing the names of those involved in my local city council and attending a city council meeting, at least once in my life. I'm starting next week. They are open to city residents !
You can find info about your own city council and when you can attend a meeting, online on your city's website. You may also contact your local city hall by phone. Why not? It shouldn't take that much of your time. I am not asking you to be the mayor.
Be aware, inform others, dream together, and then do something. That's where it's at.
Because it is truth: knowledge is power.
Damaris.
Now go & taste the goodness in your life.
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*LA Mayor candidate that I endorce:
http://www.pleitezforla.com/ Votes are March 5th. All LA County residents may vote for the LA Mayor. If you can vote, do your research and vote on March 5th!
