Finding the initiative to do something about it...

Initiative.

I sometimes feel that our society lacks it. It is seen time and time again in various forms ranging from the pedestrian effect to political apathy.

Sometimes, I think that the idea of addressing a need ourselves is a little overwhelming. Many don’t even realize their own ability to do something about it. I’m going to be fair and assume that it’s not a lack of personal motivation and guess that many people simply don’t know how to start their own initiative.

In the world of technology, cell phones, social networking sites and email it is easy to get your message out there and get people involved. So, here is my basic five step method to creating an initiative.

First, ask yourself the question: what is important to me? Do I want to raise funds for a womyns’ centre? Do I want to raise awareness about social injustice issues? Am I passionate about world peace?

Second, network. You are one person, and need a collective of likeminded individuals who are ready to make a change in the world. There are plenty of ways to network. Start close to home and branch out from there. Bring up the topic with your friends and family. Start a Facebook group or twitter feed. There is strength in numbers, get as many to join the cause as possible. In addition to lending their voices these people will also be able to help you put your ideas into action. Which leads me into step three…

Third. Make a plan of action. With your team, begin laying out step-by-step how you will address the issue. Be innovative and creative. That being said, tried and tested methods often work well too. Do you want to hold a gala fund raiser? Do you want to start a letter writing campaign? How are you going to do this? Who will plan the dinner? Who will write the letter template? Make sure that all organizations and persons that this will affect are included in the planning. For example, don’t plan a fundraiser for an organization without first talking to them beforehand about their goals, your goals and how to get their message out there.

Fourth. Set the plan in motion. You’ve finished drawing out the design, now it’s time to get it going. This will probably involve more social networking (to get people to come to the dinner, send the letter template, attend the rally, etc.) and interpersonal communication. Make sure you have enough people helping out. Make sure they know the plan of action.

The fifth and final step is to make sure that after everything is done and that you’ve tie up loose ends. Remember to finalize all the official stuff --did you pay the florist? Don’t forget to thank those who have contributed whether in planning, donating, joining in or attending the event. Once this is done, ask yourself if you have succeeded. Did you accomplish your goal? Did you accomplish anything else along the way? Sometimes we don’t accomplish what we originally set out to do, but we manage to achieve something else in the process. Perhaps you have originally intended on holding a dance party to raise money for a womyns shelter, but after the fact, did not raise much money at all. Sure, you might not have achieved what you had initially wanted to accomplish, but it was definitely not a wasted effort. You have made people aware of the existence of this shelter, what it does and the resources it needs and provides. That alone is a big accomplishment. Also, remember that the first initiative you undertake is the one you will undertake with the least experience. Next time, it will be easier.

Besides, trying is always the first step to succeeding.

Sean