2603
(2 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Jamakaya
Mar 24, 2011
It sure does seem like a lot of bad things have been happening lately, doesn’t it?
Budget battles, union busting, earthquakes, tsunamis, assassinations, oil spills, air strikes, hate crimes, name-calling – not to mention nuclear crisis! Everyone, young or old, gay or straight, seems to agree that the world is going to hell in the proverbial hand basket.
The 24/7 multi-media onslaught fuels a crisis mentality that can make the hardiest among us feel burned out and helpless. Who doesn’t get a bit dazed watching Anderson Cooper reporting from yet another hot spot, seeing casualty figures from the latest disaster or mass murder, or hearing loud-mouthed pundits screech about those darn “so-and-sos” destroying the country?
The media are only the messengers and the world, our country and state really are in crisis. There are many things to be upset about, but passive reception of all the bad news (in the car, on the couch) contributes to our frustration and disempowerment.
We all need to take a clue from that great political mind Cher and “snap out of it!”
Every crisis presents opportunities. An active response, at whatever level is realistic for you, is the best way to fight fatigue, reduce isolation and work toward solutions rather than wallow in problems.
Dozens of organizations in Wisconsin would welcome your involvement. Check the websites or call the offices of Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood, public radio and TV stations (which are facing extinction), LGBT groups, ACLU, environmental organizations, American Red Cross, Peace Action Wisconsin, Urban League,, etc.
When volunteering, always ask how you can be of assistance but also explain your own skills so you can be matched to suitable tasks that will sustain your interest. Volunteers often drift away when they are not fully engaged, so find the niche for you.
In addition to addressing an issue you care about, becoming politically active has many other advantages. Lending your skills to organizations or building your knowledge through volunteer work can advance your career goals. You can gain experience and references that may help in future job searches.
Another plus is meeting fantastic, committed people who share your values. I have met so many wonderful people over the years while walking picket lines, working phone banks, mailing newsletters and reporting on events. You may even find a girlfriend or boyfriend – God knows I have, more than a few times!
Political activism, with its stimulating discussions, exciting demonstrations and campaigns, and intense friendships, is a natural high and the best antidote I know to sitting at home moping about the state of the world.
And limit your viewing of new media (TV, Internet, Twitter, etc.). Spend the saved time with “old” media, like books, which are not only less stressful but provide deeper context and discussion. We’d be much better communicators and advocates if we read and studied more.
Given that the right wing has deep pockets, strong institutions, aggressive tactics and massive media reach, the battle to protect and extend the progressive tradition on all fronts is apt to be a long one. We need to snap out of our lethargy, pace ourselves and generate the kind of energy needed for the long haul.
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