Everywhere I need to go is typically on this side of the state line, but I had no choice but to make an appointment in a distant land called Johnson County, Kansas. Doing without a car for about a year means new experiences every day, and today I met Charles at the bus stop and we talked for a half hour.
Our chat started the way most chats do under the RideKC sign--"Where is our ride?"
"Says here it's coming now."
"Last time I took this bus, I waited 30 minutes." Hey, it happens – hopefully not today.
The routine commiseration can only go so long, and our transit was just late enough for Charles to pique my interest and tell me he's worried about climate change. We boarded the bus and he surprised me again – his friend had just been elected to the city council in Kansas City, and largely by his hard work volunteering to run the candidate's social media campaign. I congratulated him and he spent the ride from Overland Park to the Plaza giving me his take on his community's relationship with city hall, and I couldn't believe my luck to sit with someone so forthcoming as Charles.
One of many takeaways was especially suited to Thomas Hart Benton group, I think. Charles told me how other activists got pretty annoyed when he declined every invite to canvass and knock on doors. The thing is, he did the right thing, because he knew his strength, and that's Facebook. He devoted many hours every week to managing social media. When he told me that, I remembered a quote recently circulating, attributed to former Missouri Attorney General Jason Kander – "$100 or 100 doors." Give what you can, in other words, to support the candidate or cause you believe in. So many of you have made a commitment to our cause at Sierra Club, with your membership dues and generous donations, and we wouldn't have even gotten out of the gate this election without your support. Thank you!
At the same time, there are members like me who have to limit our dollar contributions, but we are motivated to give our time and creativity whenever we can. While the election brought the usual endorsement process for our political committee, and our chapter staff did an excellent job organizing a mayoral forum, even getting a seat for Sierra Club on the citizen panel, the question I have now is, what next? We are witnessing another surge in community engagement, and I can think of at least 3 newly elected officials who have grassroots movements to thank for their victories. Are these ordinary folks ready to keep doing what it takes to see our causes succeed?
I know that we are, and I welcome the input of all our members on our priorities for city hall. When the mayor and council take their seats in August, we will put in the time to have the ear of every local official. When it's time to sit them down and make clear our expectations at Sierra Club, will you join us?
Stay tuned!
Kevin Grooms
THB Group Chair