Well, Wisconsin was in the spotlight again yesterday with the recall elections.   It was incredible, as someone who believes deeply in grassroots democracy, to stand there in the crowd outside the capitol last night listening to the results come in.   It was the closest I'd come to enjoying that old chant "This is what democracy looks like!"  in a long time.  Usually that chant makes me grimace and want to shout "NO! This is not what democracy looks like!"  But yesterday was democracy in action.  Thousands of people put their whole selves into these races making phone calls, knocking doors, and otherwise carrying on the political discourse.  Thousands more did Wisconsin proud by turning out in record numbers to make their voices heard through the vote. 

Now what?  Sure, there are a few more recalls coming up.  I hope folks will get involved and make those as fine a show of grassroots involvement as these were.  And, there will inevitably be recounts and court proceedings around the debacle in Waukesha, so at least one of yesterday's elections is far from over.  But what happens when each of the seats is filled again?  The balance has changed a little and some important decisions may have different outcomes.  But if anyone is waiting for these (or any other) elected officials to solve all the problems, hate to break it to you but your wait is in vain.   Government will do some good things.  It's next to impossible not to do some things that are positive.    But, they are a small group that is influenced by big money and corporate interests.   So the question becomes; what are you going to do?

We are each responsible for our own impact in the world.  There are lots of models out there that show us that we don't need a whole lot to do a whole lot.  I am reminded of one of our graduates a few years ago who was homeless.  Mid-semester she got a part time job and things were looking up.  She attributed her positive fortune to the relationships she built and the skills she learned in our program.  She got her first small paycheck from her job, and you know what she did?  She donated $10 to our work.  How humbling to receive a donation from a homeless person.  It was a powerful moment I won't soon forget. 

So you are busy, money is tight, there's lots going on.  That's alright.  What are you going to do today to make your piece of the world better?  Are you going to donate to the GLC or some other cause you love?  Are you going to get involved in the next round of recalls, or maybe in some neighborhood organizing, maybe an event at your kid's school?  What are you going to do?   What skills do you need to do it well? 

Take care of yourself, be well, act strategically.  The skills and support you need are out there.  Others have walked the road before you.  Follow their footsteps.  It's easier and more effective than beating through the brush.