Community Organizer Vs Community Builder

Today I thought I'd visit the community organizer issue. It seems our elected and appointed officials have felt the need to describe themselves as community organizers, wearing it as a badge of honor. From Obama on down to his appointee’s, (Van Jones for one) this new wave of self proclaimed leadership is now all the rage. Me, being a community builder, well I thought I'd take the time to point out the difference!

Community organizers assemble groups of people for one time events usually to promote a cause. So a more succinct definition would be a promoter, not unlike the people who organize a rock concert. Which is all well and good for a musical event, but if you intend to affect change, not so much! You see the communities they organize are usually incentive led by an offering of a box lunch, a bus ticket, and sometimes a promise of minimum wage. The loyalty to the cause ends when the bus stops or the check is cashed. Excellent examples of this are the SEIU union events or ACORN, both work hand in hand. They are fond of using the mobs they collect to pressure the cause de jour. Problem is when a new cause arises they have to collect a new mob. Loyalty is suspect when bought and paid for. I find this a poor method of “Leadership”. In most cases it’s one step from inciting a riot. Isn't it funny those in power today use this as an accolade? It just points out to me how far off base they really are!

Developing communities is what I do as a member of TEAM. Note the philosophy difference… We develop communities by developing leaders who develop leaders, who develop leaders. TEAM uses a system of education and mentoring, then applies all that structure to a cause. We gather to learn and inspire, and when we part , we are better for it. TEAM itself is a acronym for: Together Everyone Achieves More. When a community is developed for the good of everyone within the community, loyalty is created and thrives. No one is paid, fed, or threatened, and we all still show up. When we make a difference it’s life changing, not temporary like the bus ride. The attitude is smiles and selfless service, as opposed to greed, hate, and anger!

The critical difference between the two is; TEAM focuses on the individual, where community organizers promote what's good for the masses, not unlike the teachings of Stalin. We promote personal growth, and unselfish service. Community organizers depend on," What's in it for me?" mantra. The victim mentality is promoted to the "communities" they organize. Truth be told they are just mobs motivated by anger, and commonly misinformation. They foster the attitude, the mob is owed something. We in turn inspire leaders to personal achievement. Becoming the best you, you can be!

I felt the need to discern the difference between the two. I get quizzical looks lately when I tell folks I develop communities. Once I explain, they understand. What Obama and his cronies don't get is that to inspire change you have to in fact, change. Promoting the victim mentality and inciting anger over what the system owes you is frankly another version of the definition of insanity.

God Bless
Capt. Bill