Blog: The CHCI Experience

Based on Monday’s training on Good Public Policy: Grassroots Organizing and Electoral Politics, what you think the role of grassroots organizing is in the political process of this country?

Based on Monday’s training, grassroots organizing does more than just mobilize citizens to vote.  Grassroots organizing is an effective way to get individuals empowered to solve issues in their community.  This approach often leads to outcomes that are more desirable since those who are having the problems prescribe solutions.  The government often uses a top-down approach to solve most problems.  However, while this approach can be effective, it can also only solve parts of a problem.  Grassroots organizing uses a bottom-up approach that aims to include all actors being affected by a problem. This way, all angles of the problem can be recognized and solved.  Grassroots organizing empowers communities not only to change their community for the better, but it also mobilizes the community to engage civically.  This keeps elected officials accountable and responsive to the needs of the community.  Grassroots organizing is also an effective medium to get community organizers elected as public officials.  Getting community organizers elected to positions in the local School Board or City Council promotes communities to be responsive to their government.  However, it also empowers communities to demand change when public officials are not delivering results.  Change is achieved by organizing protests, letter campaigns, or petitions.  More importantly, it leads communities to voice their vote through the ballot box.  Making communities civically engaged by organizing them to solve their own issues is an effective way to promote livelihoods and democracy.  The tools presented at this training will surely be asset for me as I continue in my career as a public servant.

What you think the role of grassroots organizing is in the political process of this country?

The term ‘grassroots’ suggests an organic process that sprouts from the composition of the community and their needs and desires.  Grassroots organizing is another mechanism that works to balance the larger political structures.  It does so by incorporating all members of the community and encouraging participation from all people regardless of age, gender, and socioeconomic status.  Grassroots organizing allows people to voice their concerns in a welcoming environment and to create responses that are tailored to their specific community.

Grassroots Organizing

The importance of grassroots organizing was very evident during the Obama campaign.  The core of his campaign was based on politics run by a community and he was able to take the model of grassroots organizing, which is rooted on a local level, and expand it to a national level.  I was able to witness the importance of grassroots organizing for the Obama campaign as well as for voter registration on a very local level in my own community.  Although some people are hesitant when a stranger knocks on their door, others see it as a more personal way to be exposed to the political process.  It also allows for people who are not interested in the political process to become more interested and more involved.

What you think the role of grassroots organizing is in the political process of this country?

Grassroots organizing is a way for people to get together to ensure that their voices and opinions are heard in order to help shape good public policy.   Grassroots organizing is a group of people working together to accomplish a common goal.  Grassroots organization is the beginning of movements and it is driven by the politics of a community.  It is individuals taking responsibilty to help shape good public policy.

Grassroots organizers

Grassroots organizers in America are responsible for stirring change in our community.  They understand the needs of the people and they work to bring the people together around those needs.  Community organizers teach people how to work with their own resources and they make sure the community can voice their concerns effectively so they can have their needs satisfied.  In other words, community organizers are vital to the American political process because they unite and motivate the people to demand power.

Based on Monday’s training on Good Public Policy: Grassroots Organizing and Electoral Politics, what do you think the role of grassroots organizing is in the political process of this country?

The role of grassroots politics in our country was clearly visible in the past presidential election where President Barack Obama’s campaign was driven by grassroots efforts.  A lot of movements are being driven by grassroots organizing in today’s world.  The role of grassroots organizing in the political process is everything.   Things must be built up from the bottom.  Once there is a stable base then there is somewhere to build from.  With grassroots being the base there is now something to build off of and grow from. In public policy grassroots is where a lot of ideas start and grow from.

What was your first week like working on Capitol Hill?

During the first week of my congressional internship I learned many things about DC, about our political system, about the district of the Congressman I am working with, and, most importantly, about myself. Firstly, I exercised my ability to adapt quickly to a new environment as I was given responsibilities that were accompanied with new expectations. While I have prior experience working with various community organizations and professional offices, I’m glad to be able to observe the unique dynamics of an office that operates under a strictly regulated process (as hearings, briefings, meetings, votes, and other functions adhere to a schedule) and simultaneously takes in stride the hectic environment of an extremely busy institution. That is, what was most interesting to me was how Capitol Hill is an epicenter that houses some of the world’s most influential people and deals with pressing matters, yet is also a place where constituents and everyday citizens can engage with their representatives. The highlight of my first week was being able to attend briefings on the Hill. I especially enjoyed those that covered topics that I was not previously informed about.

Week 2 Blog

Looking back on my first week on the Hill makes me excited for what’s to come. What shocked me most was the willingness of people to help you learn. I had this fear that people would look down on interns. However, instead of looking down on them, people are ready to help build you up. People are very willing to share their experiences and tips when you tell them you are an intern. This week I went to my first reception where I ready got a chance to experience DC culture. Even there people have the same helpful mentality. During my first week, my leadership skills have also been very useful. During our trip to a ropes course, I was able to hone these skills just a little further. When someone is in a leadership position the most important skill is your ability to listen. As you gather more information the answers to problems begin to be found. A leader is a problem solver and can only accomplish their goals if they are willing to listen to the team around them.

Highlights Of My First Week

The first week of Capitol Hill was one of the most intimidating days since arriving in Washington, DC. Congress was not in session but the office was extremely busy. I was quickly trained on the first day and began answering phones and reading constituent letters. At first, I received small responsibilities but pretty soon I was receiving larger assignments. The highlight since the first day was meeting Congressman Ciro Rodriguez and learning how friendly the office truly is. I plan on attending more briefings and speaking to the staff on specific topics that interest me. I look forward to continuing to work hard and learning more about the legislative process.

What was your first week like working on Capitol hill?

I feel like my first week can be summed up in one word: educational. In just one week, I have learned so much about legislation and the work that goes on behind it. I was able to get a hands-on experience by going to a hearing which discussed the Recovery Act and how it has affected the education system. There were many jobs saved and other jobs which were created. Success! I also was able to further the learning process of the education committee by doing some research for the education Legislative Assistant in my office. I enjoy being able to help in any way possible to learn as much as I can through this great opportunity provided by CHCI. I also was able to go to the House Financial Services Committee hearing where Mr. Bernanke was questioned on the financial system. After this hearing, I was able to meet Congressman Barney Frank. The best thing about this hearing was  seeing information about it later in the media. I could then say, “I was there”. It was a very exciting and eventful week to say the least. But, not only did I learn in the office I was also able to learn out of the office through the ropes course that we went to this week. I learned that even though the other interns and I know each other on a personal level we really didn’t know each other on the professional level. We don’t get to work together in a business environment much, but getting to know each other on this level was a great success in my opinion.