So, here’s the fact: Politics is everywhere, it is ever standing, and it is in everything. There’s not anything that isn’t touched or directly forged by politics. Everything’s politics and politics is everything.
We ought to do our peace with this because it will never change. And I know some of you may not like it, or even hate politics altogether—damn, I don’t even like it, for a start—but a fact is a fact. It is a truth as old as the hills.
Why am I writing all of this? Because I need you. We, we need you; heck, your city and your country need you! Because politics, being in everything and being everything, cannot be left untouched or unnoticed by normal individuals. And by normal, I don’t mean that who does politics or care about it is better or paranormal. By normal I mean people who don’t hold the power.
Whether it be economic, academic or governmental power. But you need to get your hands into the mix and share your thoughts, your worries, your ideas. And there are two words to say this easily: civic engagement.
When we think about society and changes in society, we tend to think about the major changes, the big important one. The ones that are made by potent people. Those people who hold every power and capacity to simply snap their fingers, and change things up.
They have that much power. But hey, have you noticed how screwed are we still? Have you noticed how the little things that could improve our lives are usually forgotten, or they slipped from the finger of who’s in charge? Have you noticed how whining is not a solution? Or do you still want to just complain about something?
See, the problem is this: since politics is everything, you cannot pass the crazy buck once every few years to someone and hold that one person wholly accountable. I mean, for sure they are: but are they the sole responsible? Can’t they screw up, just because they got elected?
Of course, they can. And they will. We all screw up. And change doesn’t come in one humongous and sole way. We can build change over time, with small steps. With little improvements. With plenty of discussions, and sometimes boring and sometimes exciting meetings.
WE, we can do something! Because politics is everything and whether or not you like it, it will affect you. Deeply. Sometimes for generations to come. We all know that, don’t we? That’s why I will repeat those two little, humble words I said before: civic engagement.
By participating and getting involved in public consultations, budget committees, community meetings we can actively do something. It doesn’t mean to become a politician or to step into a career that we don’t care about. It means helping in shaping our communities, solving problems, trying to figure out a way to live better in our places. To all have a better life.
It means making sure that our representatives find support when it’s right to do so or find a brick wall when they aren’t shooting straight. A friend of mine once said to me: Freedom is not standing on a tree. It is not even a gesture or an invention. Freedom is not one free space. Freedom is participation! You need to get your hands into the mix and share your thoughts, your worries, your ideas, your problems, your skills.
It is important. I heard that society is made by a third of a Government, a third of businesses and a third of civil society. But I know isn’t true. We concede power to them, so we must be heard actively. We must take part in every change. Using the power that only takes up two words: civic engagement.
Because everything’s politics and politics is everything. And when decisions are made, when decision-makers meet businesspeople, when businesses influence those decisions, we must be present. We must be heard.
And we need to engage with them and find solutions where there aren’t, and harmony when there’s disruption. You need to get your hands into the mix and share your thoughts, your worries, your ideas, your problems, your skills.
Your hopes. Civic engagement. It takes only two words to express it. It would take thousands to say how important that is.
Take part in the change!
Ketcia Peters is an entrepreneur and community advocate for economic inclusion and development for Black Canadians and the social justice sector. Her firm, Ketcia Peters Group Inc. (KPG) provides bilingual organizational and human development services to the public and private sector. This includes analysis and coaching of HR practices, strategic planning, organizational change, equity and inclusivity, and anti-racism. KPG also provides individual and group coaching. In recent years, KP Group Inc. has shifted to greatly expand its equity, diversity and inclusivity work at the municipal and community level, with a focus on anti-racism and anti-oppression. This work centers on a trauma-informed approach in order to ensure we do not cause further harm to those most marginalized in our communities. Visit her website at: https://ketciapeters.com/