Give Thanks For: Making A Difference

I’m involved in Democratic politics because the world does not change itself — and working together for that change is always more fun.

Admit it, whether it’s over coffee, tea, a soda or even water, meeting with a group of friends to proactively fix problems is so much more fun than stewing about the day’s issues alone and isolated. Something is not right about sitting around — being QUIET! Horror of horrors, what would the world be coming to then?

Back in college, I personally experienced the powerful difference which people with disabilities are effectively able to make in their own communities. Wanting adequate staffing of the campus accommodations office and ADA renovations to the physical plant, I and my friends — some of whom also had disabilities — meticulously documented existing conditions. Publicizing our findings, we sought cooperation with many on-campus resources.

Success ultimately allowed us and many additional people to fully participate in the University community. It also demonstrated coalition building’s incredibly invigorating powers. For as much work as this project required, the strong sense of community and solidarity we nurtured amongst each other quickly made the time fly by.

Of course I previously had attended and won my public school ARD meetings. But, then walking around an entire college campus and seeing evacuation chairs and Braille plates installed in public buildings and the accommodations office with additional counselors pointedly because of our hard work felt radically different than knowing the contents of something which only had convened for your individual use.

These ADA improvements were also completed for other people with disabilities who enrolled after us. We weren't the only ones who benefited from the renovations. By nature social creatures, we humans must congregate in groups and express ourselves. Yes, especially we dedicated political animals that gravitate towards a good debate like a powerful magnet.

I guarantee you that science — or even infotainment — has not yet found a way to end public debates. They are going to continue! And so, this season, I give thanks for the incredible love and support of my friends and family. Friendship is the fuel of any effective social change project.