Drowning out the news is what most of us have done to cope over the last few months. I believe we can make the most difference in our own communities on minor issues, and that is where I have focused my efforts. My mission, which I call 'feeding hearts and carts', extends to solutions for government cutbacks affecting local food pantries and satisfies my need to do good where I am able. We can't solve the bigger problems in our democracy, except by voting, but we can choose to make a difference locally. Excellent article from Maggie. Thanks for the introduction.
At the Federal level, seeing through the unfortunately constant and deliberate “zone-flooding” is key - and reinforces the significance to participate locally.
Dan, I love how you've distilled this - "Learned Helplessness to Quiet Participation = Positive Difference" captures the arc perfectly.
Your point about federal-level "zone-flooding" is exactly right. That constant overwhelm is part of what drives people away from participation altogether. But as Maggie shows, local engagement is where we can actually see our influence, where the rooms are often empty and one person showing up matters. It's the antidote to that helplessness.
Keith, I'm so glad this resonated with you. The "learned helplessness" concept hit me hard too - it explains so much about why we pull back even when we care. I love that Maggie reframes just showing up as enough. It takes the pressure off perfection and puts it back on presence.
Thank you for being here and for commenting. You're part of what makes this community matter.
Thanks for this post from Maggie, Ilona! Our small town has hosted events that are meant to draw both sides in working together for our local community. I haven't been able to go but thought it a great idea.
Drowning out the news is what most of us have done to cope over the last few months. I believe we can make the most difference in our own communities on minor issues, and that is where I have focused my efforts. My mission, which I call 'feeding hearts and carts', extends to solutions for government cutbacks affecting local food pantries and satisfies my need to do good where I am able. We can't solve the bigger problems in our democracy, except by voting, but we can choose to make a difference locally. Excellent article from Maggie. Thanks for the introduction.
You are on the right track, Candy! Thanks for all you are doing to preserve our democracy.
Fantastic piece - Learned Helplessness to Quiet Participation = Positive Difference.
Questions asked matter. Concerns expressed matter.
All steps matter.
At the Federal level, seeing through the unfortunately constant and deliberate “zone-flooding” is key - and reinforces the significance to participate locally.
Very well-said Maggie.
Dan, I love how you've distilled this - "Learned Helplessness to Quiet Participation = Positive Difference" captures the arc perfectly.
Your point about federal-level "zone-flooding" is exactly right. That constant overwhelm is part of what drives people away from participation altogether. But as Maggie shows, local engagement is where we can actually see our influence, where the rooms are often empty and one person showing up matters. It's the antidote to that helplessness.
I truly loved this, “learned helplessness’’. And showing up. So much of this feels like my life. A big thanks to Maggie and Ilona.
Keith, I'm so glad this resonated with you. The "learned helplessness" concept hit me hard too - it explains so much about why we pull back even when we care. I love that Maggie reframes just showing up as enough. It takes the pressure off perfection and puts it back on presence.
Thank you for being here and for commenting. You're part of what makes this community matter.
Curiosity is the key. In all things. Thank you. Excellent post.
Thanks for this post from Maggie, Ilona! Our small town has hosted events that are meant to draw both sides in working together for our local community. I haven't been able to go but thought it a great idea.
Empowering information. Thanks for the encouragement! And the reminder to be curious!