WE ARE THE ONES WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
Check out the Create the Change Blog at http://ctcdurham.blogspot.com!
This past election we have seen how ordinary people changed the political climate extraordinarily on the national level – but more importantly here in NC. Everyday folks knocked on doors, rang door bells, and talked to strangers about CHANGE!
The grassroots model of canvassing was taken to a new level with incredible results. We must continue to engage in effective democracy as we seek to create change in Durham, North Carolina.
As we face a deepening economic crisis, we all confront similar issues. We know that can’t solve them alone. Collectively we have more strength and a louder voice to speak truth to power.
Now is the time to go beyond the ballot box. It’s time to return to the streets – knocking on doors, ringing doorbells, and engaging unfamiliar faces in the issues that matter.
Fredrick Douglass out of strong conviction said, “I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” Many of us have been praying for day when would see better, healthier, and fairer Durham, NC. Now, together, let’s walk the road to making it a reality.
Believing that democratic participation involves more than casting a ballot, we want to find meaningful opportunities for continued local activism with everyone who recently has been engaged and inspired to take part in political activity.
To facilitate organizing we are creating a directory & Guide to Change in Durham, which highlights the community-based groups, advocacy, and policy organizations that are engaged in ongoing work.
Through online tools and old-fashioned door knocking, we are using the Create the Change Survey as a participatory tool to identify areas of common concern – and then connect people with resources and with each other – in order to leverage our collective ability to create change.
Ultimately we will sustain high levels of civic participation by previously disengaged and disenfranchised citizens by finding new and creative ways for people to have a meaningful impact on issues that matter most to them.
