Community Organizers

While I admit that I was horribly entertained during Sarah Palin's acceptance speech a few weeks ago, I also admit that the next day I felt "dirty." Somewhere in my gut, I began to realize that all of those well executed jokes in her speech were really aimed at me and the things that I value most.

And those became more clear to me personally when I was invited to join a facebook group appropriately named, "Clergy are community organizers too." I smiled, and clicked join. The joy that I have found in supporting Obama for America stems from an absolute belief that government can be done differently. Government could be for the people by the people. Government could be changed, just like other horrible issues in our history have been changed... through grass roots efforts led by gifted, passionate community organizers.

Here's my personal truth though... I didn't always belief this way. During my Anti-racism training I remember saying aloud, "community organizing is something that was done in the 60's, it just sounds stupid now." I obvsiously didn't know what I was talking about. And the other folks in the room knew that I didn't know what I was talking about. They carefully, lovingly, clearly corrected me. They gave me examples from my worldview that simply wouldn't be if not for community organizers.

I would not have the right to vote.
I would not have the freedom to pursue a career.
I would not be a women clergy person... had there not been grass roots efforts led by gifted, passionate community organizers.

This post is my own effort to wipe off the dirt slung at me and others during Palin's speech and move on. This is my own commitment to be the type of gifted, passionate organizer within my community, in my corner of the globe that leads others to peace, justice, and kindness.