As a principle I like to be organized. When my thoughts are well structured I can get more things done. I try not to obsess about details but I can get anal when it comes to things being a certain way. The proverb, everything in its place and a place for everything has a lovely symmetry but it’s sometimes hard to keep in practise. I don’t feel organized being disorganized. Hence the conundrum.
Stepping outside my personal preferences, community organizations are built on plans, mottos, precepts, manifests, etc. The ways to shape a collective of interested parties start with a desire to belong to something bigger than the individual members. The goals maybe short term, like raising money for a cause, or long term, like challenging government policies. I’ve been involved to a lesser or greater extent in both durations of execution and been unpaid in all situations, unless you count the gratification found in helping others as being the reward. Volunteering must be valued for making any organization a success. It’s one thing to have lofty aspirations to inspire a collective of eager souls, it’s quite another to maintain the energy to fulfill the outcome.
A government is an organization. I’ve canvassed for political parties or for candidates whom I admire for their personal philosophy. Municipal government comes in many shapes and sizes; from the formally elected Council to local neighbourhood associations. There are opportunities to get involved. I get curiously attached to groups that step away from protocol when their governments aren’t listening to their needs. During the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 an alternative governing mandate was created. The Black Panther Party founded in 1966 was a structured attempt for more community control by disaffected citizens.
Some organizations wish to maintain their status in time and place. Heritage groups for example, hold firm to tradition. Religious groups see themselves as separate from populist ruling structures. Many organizations are interested in action, even revolution. I was fascinated to learn of The Janes and their determination to circumvent existing birth control laws in the U.S.A.. An organization is only as good as its principles, mandate, or banner headline. Successful labour strikes by labour have strong organizing committees. A well executed plan brings confidence to the members. Communication is key for an all hands on deck response. For longevity it must have people with an ambition to make things better. In marches everywhere you may hear a similar cry: “Where do we stand? What do we want? How do we get it?”
Social media and .org websites have been a modern way to stimulate involvement in organizational frameworks. This applies to those who work for good or evil. Currently we are witnessing the rise of trumpism. This modern form of fascism has been wrapped in a clever disguise of lies, deception, obfuscation, and virtue signalling –– As well planned and executed as a Las Vegas magic show.
The Untied Nations, founded and organized to prevent WWIII, has been left with only words. This is entertaining for the few, while a tragedy for the many.
