Friday, May 21, 2010

Take Initiative

Are you outraged by what you see on the national news everyday?
Do you sense that which each passing day we are losing more and more of the freedoms upon which this country was founded?
Are you so discouraged that you don't even want to go to the poles to vote?

The dictionary defines ‘initiative’ as an introductory act or step; leading action; one’s personal, responsible decision. One could say that each of us has 'a personal responsibility to take an introductory step to lead in action'. If you feel like there is no way you can take initiative, keep reading. There is something YOU can do to make a difference in your community and in our country.

The first thing we all must do is be a responsible citizen. Take care of your family, practice your faith and defend your religious freedoms. If we want to initiate change in our country we must start with ourselves. Don't do say one thing and do another. Practice what you believe and be an inspiration for others to do the same.

Educate Yourself! Start by reading our Constitution. We must understand the extent of our rights as free citizens and the constitutional limits on the powers of government. Many times the Government does something and people just follow along giving them what they ask for without first educating themselves on what is really legally required. For instance the dicennial census. The only legal mandated requirement is to give the number of people per household. Although the form ask you to list names, ages, date of births, race, etc. it is actually not Consitutional to the government to require that information. Another term we hear thrown around a lot is 'separation of church and state'...it is not even in the Constitution at all! Bottom line is...don't just go along with the crowd...learn for yourself what is really going on.

Subscribe to blogs, newsletters and websites that offer reliable information regarding issues that effect you and your family. There are many great resources out in cyberspace that will send you updates through email or even social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Arm yourself with the facts so you are ready for the next step.

Encourage Discussion! Once you are educated on the issues, you are ready to write letters to the editor of your local newspaper; email tv and radio news programs; and comment on blogs and websites. Utilize social networking sites to ask questions and bring up issues with your friends. Participate in town hall meetings in your local community and party assemblies. You can even start your own blog or website. And don’t forget to contact your local, state and national representatives. Remember they work for you. Elected officials do keep track of the phones calls and letters and most of them do listen to their constituents.

Support organizations that share your values. Donate your time and resources to enable these organizations to move forward in their efforts. Sometimes a little goes a long way with grassroots organizations and every little bit of time, energy and financial support we can give will make a difference.

And finally… VOTE! It’s a great priviledge in our country to have the right to vote. You may not think your one vote will make a difference, but it does…YOU COUNT! Encourage your friends and family that are eligible to vote as well. Join with friends and car pool to the poles, and offer to take others that may not have transportation of their own.

New studies show that activism brings greater satisfaction to one's life. It brings a 'feel good' emotions and connects you to others. Look, we live in a free country! You have a responsibility and your voice matters! You can initiate change! So get out there...and take initiative!

No comments:

Post a Comment