FLIP THE SCRIPT

Do you agree that real power is the right and responsibility to make decisions? Would

you also agree that the powers that be, individuals and groups who hold authority to

shape the lives of American citizens, have failed to create an equitable model whereby

every person has equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal access. In the current

model of government, a minority is making decisions for the majority as opposed to “on

behalf of” the majority. So, disparity remains in our social systems because of the

imbalance of power in our political system. I say, let’s flip the script. Let’s put the

power where it belongs and was intended to be. Let’s build the power of all people to

make decisions for their lives instead of depending on broken systems. How do we do

this? How do we return power to people? By improving direct access. That is access to

resources, education, employment, and healthcare. I believe that the most effective

community development organizations employ models that increase and sustain self-

sufficiency in individuals with the end goal of building the power of families and the

community (i.e., people).

As I witness the devastating effects of poverty and inequality, I am moved to provoke

change and to be changed. I prefer to teach someone to swim rather than throwing out

a lifeline over and over again. I prefer to teach someone to fish rather than giving them

meals over and over again. I prefer to build capacity in another rather than keep them

in a place where they are dependent upon me. I know that it will take time along with

much effort to reverse a system that has been in operation for so long, but it is worth it!

And I believe it is doable. One person, one family, and one vote at a time let’s tackle the imbalance in our society – let’s flip the script.