How do we communicate our causes?

Navigating through today's complex life with its daily problems, decisions, human relationships, career instabilities, personal health issues, financial difficulties and an ever changing political climate, are just a few of the things that can make one's day overwhelming. Many in our society are just plain worn out at the end of their day and have no energy remaining to pursue inequities in society, let alone read a newspaper, attend a city government meeting, or volunteer time to help the less fortunate. I believe this is typical of the majority of American households and criticism is certainly not warranted.

On the other hand there are individuals who find the time, stamina and passion to solve problems, right 'wrongs” and help the less fortunate. They want to 'do something about it”, but have two basic questions: 'How do I go about it, and where do I start?” The answers may appear simple to those who have experience in the volunteer or political communities, but can be a real hurdle to someone who has recently chosen to speak out about an injustice for the first time.

While I have a long list of 'wrongs”, usually with all levels of government, I believe problems should be addressed and resolved promptly for the good of the community. Most beginners struggle with a lack of understanding as to how to communicate their case to the public who may become interested.

Then the difficulty becomes how do I communicate my case to others? What 'vessels” are available and effective?

The most obvious method is to forward one's writings to the 'Letters to the Editor” section in the local newspapers. Whether or not your letter is published depends upon the quality of writing, the subject of the letter and other internal requirements of management. For example, once a letter is published the author is limited by time before another letter is published. 'Letters to the Editor” is a positive start, but the author is limited to the number of letters accepted based upon time intervals. This method is an excellent way to begin one's journey toward helping others.

Fortunately we live in a high tech age that offers such tools as Facebook, which enables a person to share his, or her, thoughts to an immediate audience of hundreds, or thousands, of potential followers. Another excellent vessel is developing your own blog and sharing your

ideas with an even greater number of people. In some cases it may require the author to retain technical assistance in developing the initial program, but I believe if the cause is worthy, the investment is worthy.

This week I was fortunate enough to be in conversation with others regarding this very subject, and one member proposed the 'ultimate vessel”- public office! Not too long ago this lady opted to personally take action on an issue that would help many others throughout the State of Iowa. Having never run for office, she became a candidate for representative in the State Legislature, won the seat, served two terms and witnessed her 'cause” becoming law in the State of Iowa. It required hundreds of hours of work,

stamina, energy, and conviction but she succeeded. And it was achieved by one determined lady who believed in her 'cause”. Think about it.

Public meetings are another source of learning both sides of an issue in the discussions that occur. For example, attend a city council meeting in your community and explore a position on one of the city committees. It's an excellent way to learn the details of city government. Based upon the city council meetings I have attended there will always be an open seat just for you.

We are surrounded by a plethora of 'wrongs”, problems created, or ignored, by governments at all levels plus the needs of the less fortunate. I urge you to seek and select your cause for the betterment of others. The chances are that you will receive more in return than what you give.

' This is one of the inaugural columns written by members of The Gazette Writers Circle, which is a diverse, select group of community members who explore and discuss local issues. Circle member Phil Alexander researched this specific topic, which was a sub-section of learning why more Eastern Iowans aren't involved in the public decision-making process. Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com