Leading and following in a healing democracy

by Courtney E. Martin                                 

Though we live in a product-oriented society, in our gut we know that living the process is what yields the most learning. Such has already been the case as we've been creating the Healing Democracy Action Circles initiative here at the Center. We've been paying close attention to the moments that give us pause and have mined them for what they have to teach us about the hard work of re-authenticating our very own little "p" in politics.

One such moment has come up around how these groups form. Some of the first reactions from you all have been, "Help me find a group!" On the practical side, the Center simply does not have the capacity to set up groups or help people find groups. Meetup.org is not for everyone, but it's a simple solution that we've recommended for those willing to have this adventure with new folks in their local communities. There are now two Healing Democracy Circles posted there, one in Madison, WI, and one in Raleigh, NC. I expect we'll soon see more.

But many people haven't taken to the Meetup option. In part, this is a story about generational divides and communication styles. For some of those without a lot of facility with the internet, Meetup has proven intimidating and/or confusing. We understand that and believe its emblematic of something that we must all continue to wrestle with as we try to create cohesive communities in a world where everyone communicates so differently. 

If we have technological prowess, what assumptions do we make about the way others might feel comfortable communicating? How might we go out of our way to make those without technological know-how feel remembered, supported, informed? And if we are the ones who don't take to new technological mediums like Meetup.org, what are we doing to learn and grow? Do we allow ourselves the space and time to be uncomfortable while learning a new skill or do we shy away from what we find strange? There are such great opportunities for cross-generation mentoring when it comes to technology; this has been one more example of that. 

But beyond the technological questions, there is a deeper one. Parker is inviting us to understand that our democracy depends upon us embracing the role of citizen in some wholly new ways and exploring those habits of the heart that make democracy work. We're, in fact, inviting people to consider the courage to organize as it works for them. It is in the wrestling with this issue that we're beginning to explore what to do with Healing Democracy Action Circles. For some, it might mean Meetup, for some putting up a sign in the local coffee shop, or for some inviting our crazy relatives to gather. 

For those who aren't drawn to Meetup, but still wondering how to find a group, what is preventing you from taking the initiative to start one yourself? For those who always find themselves starting things, being the first to volunteer, how do you feel about letting others take the lead? Perhaps, within the answers to these questions, there is also some really important information about our roles as citizens. 

Speaking for myself, I find that I am most often the initiator. I've founded multiple groups and am often seen as the person who will take responsibility for getting the crew together. But over the years I've learned that when I consistently take the lead, it means others that I love and respect don't have a chance to develop their own leadership skills. It also might reveal a fundamental distrust, on my part, that the people I surround myself with also have great ideas and the energy to pull me into them. Part of a functioning democracy must be having faith that you're not the only one with the capacity to reinvigorate it, no? 

Recently, a dear friend of mine created what she calls a Rainbow Birthday Parade where she asked all of her friends to dress up head to toe in one color of the rainbow. We lined up in our respective colors and literally danced through the streets. I was yellow and it was the most energizing thing in the world just to be able to show up and enjoy her facilitation, rather than plan it or execute it myself. Look at how someone in the neighborhood got pulled into the color-fueled excitement:

So consider this an invitation. If you're always planning the Rainbow Birthday Parades, this might be your time to step back and let someone else take the lead. But if you're often waiting for others to pull you into fun times and new initiatives, maybe this is your time to put on the sparkly gold jacket and take a risk in service of the democracy you care so much about. 

How about you?  Where's your sparkly gold jacket?  Post your thoughts here.