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Demetra Brown Question: What do you think is the lead motivator for getting individuals to take action and get involved in issues that impact their community?

100 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Monthly Goal Meet-Up, Creatively Inspired, Business as Mission and Non-Profit Management3 more

Barbara Bowen: Some seem born with a high capacity for empathy, but most people become motivated out of a personal challenge that compels them into action, ...MoreSome seem born with a high capacity for empathy, but most people become motivated out of a personal challenge that compels them into action, helping others who've experience a similar condition. I'm no social scientist, but this is what I've witnessed.
100 weeks ago
kate: in my limited experience, there has to be a personal connection and those already involved reach out and specifically ask. Not just 'hey, come ...Morein my limited experience, there has to be a personal connection and those already involved reach out and specifically ask. Not just 'hey, come with me!' but more like 'you are so good at X, can you help my organization by donating your talents? it would really help us out and mean a lot to me'
100 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: Barbara: Honestly, I agree with both you're lines of reasoning. I certainly believe our personal triumphs propel us to help others, often ...MoreBarbara: Honestly, I agree with both you're lines of reasoning. I certainly believe our personal triumphs propel us to help others, often unconsciously, overcome similar situations.

Kate: I find myself looking for opportunities to offer my skills and knowledge to a social cause, but not connecting with the right opportunity. Should I relax and allow the right opportunity to find me?

Thanks for your responses guys!!!
100 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Self interest, or the interest of something that is near and dear to them is probably the best, most direct impetus to social action.

However, if ...MoreSelf interest, or the interest of something that is near and dear to them is probably the best, most direct impetus to social action.

However, if some people witness the results of doing (or not doing) whatever action is in question, that will wake some people up too.
100 weeks ago
Neeraj Bhushan: Courage, Determination, Efforts, Patience and Positive Attitude.
100 weeks ago
Carmille: Barbara-- I agree with you that highly empathetic people are motivated to take action in the community. They can spot things that need to be ...MoreBarbara-- I agree with you that highly empathetic people are motivated to take action in the community. They can spot things that need to be changed and also spot potential issues and try to prevent it from occurring.

However, I think for the majority of the public, they aren't compelled to take action until something relevant happens to them on a personal level.
100 weeks ago
Vanessa Alvarado: For me it was simply realizing that I CAN make a difference- cheesy as it sounds.
100 weeks ago
: There are three separate and distinct questions in this one sentence: 1)What is the primary motivator for individuals; 2)What will motivate them ...MoreThere are three separate and distinct questions in this one sentence: 1)What is the primary motivator for individuals; 2)What will motivate them to get involved and 3) What will motivate them to take action. For the first question-people are motivated to do "something" even if it is just to think about an issue for a minute or two because it means something to them...either it will bring value into their life, or it will take something away. That's simple----the problems come with the next two. 2--what will motivate them to get involved? A strong leader-and it may not be them. An authentic leader who virally spreads their passion and enthusiasm will lower the resistance of the person who may have chosen to just think about it, say "that's awful" or "what a great charity/product"--- authentic leaders are hard to come by.....and finally 3-What would motivate them to take action???? Tools, resources, outlets and the feeling that despite the fact that their schedule is already overflowing with obligations, this "issue" is not only important enough to take some of their time, but there are clear outlets, resources, tools, whatever--provided by that strong leader that I mentioned in #2. If there is no strong leader, this person may be inspired to take up the cause, but more often than not, they call a friend, complain to their partner, and "wish" they had time to do something or "hope someone does something about this". In my opinion, it's one of the most tragic epidemics facing this country.....lack of leadership.
100 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Thanks for the comment, Demetra. I agree, personal experience creates our deepest connection to compassion for others: and we often teach partly ...MoreThanks for the comment, Demetra. I agree, personal experience creates our deepest connection to compassion for others: and we often teach partly because we are learning ourselves.
100 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Carmille: Yes, without personal experience, or a familial tradition of service, the public often seems out of touch and disconnected to social issues.
100 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Vanessa: I relate to this. I'm creating a blog right now (GatewaystoAction.com)
that is all about creating positive change. I am working on ...MoreVanessa: I relate to this. I'm creating a blog right now (GatewaystoAction.com)
that is all about creating positive change. I am working on believing that the blog's purpose will be realized. If you take a look, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
100 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Very interesting, Angela. Thank you.
100 weeks ago
LESLIE: Results, positive results get you to continue the action, negative results get you into action.
100 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: Thanks for all your responses guys. You guys made some very strong points.
100 weeks ago
paulmacp: vested interest or no interest... most people don't feel part of their local community anymore. If the issue is not having a direct impact on ...Morevested interest or no interest... most people don't feel part of their local community anymore. If the issue is not having a direct impact on someone, they just don't care.

I know I fall into that camp myself.
100 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: paulmacp: Why is that case? I notice many social initiatives today focus on certain issues and missions, not necessarily a particular community. ...Morepaulmacp: Why is that case? I notice many social initiatives today focus on certain issues and missions, not necessarily a particular community. Or is this how it has always been?
100 weeks ago
Dariane Nabor: Lead motivator to take action and get involved? Based on my experience, there is usually a breaking point or a large important event that affects ...MoreLead motivator to take action and get involved? Based on my experience, there is usually a breaking point or a large important event that affects their community that motivates people to take action. It's a point at which people respond, "I'm tired of this bullsh*t. I need to do something about it. I am going to do something about it."
99 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: Dariane: So you agree it has to be something that impacts us on a personal level before action is taken?
99 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: I believe that is most often true. However, I know of cases in which privileged people are raised with an awareness and compassion for others, and ...MoreI believe that is most often true. However, I know of cases in which privileged people are raised with an awareness and compassion for others, and they quite naturally follow a service-oriented path. Of course not always does it take root; you can only lead a horse to water... but familial influence can increase the odds, that's my observation.
99 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: @barbara: I checked out your site and have to say you have a unique and amazing blog with an incredible concept. Keep up the good work!
99 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Wow, Demetra. Thank you. My focus has been almost exclusively on creating it, so gaining traffic has been slooooow. If you know other who might ...MoreWow, Demetra. Thank you. My focus has been almost exclusively on creating it, so gaining traffic has been slooooow. If you know other who might benefit or enjoy, please send them there to take a look, and ask them to comment. I really need more
feedback, suggestions, whatever... thanks so much for vote!
99 weeks ago
John Creech: It has been my experience that a person needs a sense of purpose greater than the discomfort involved in taking that first step. If you can get a ...MoreIt has been my experience that a person needs a sense of purpose greater than the discomfort involved in taking that first step. If you can get a person past thinking about themselves and what others may think think about them, then you're almost there. If they can't get their mind off themselves, then you'll only get an occasional volunteer trying to rack up "feel good points". But if you can get them to truely consider the needs of others first, then you'll have real partner.
99 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Demetra: what kind of work do you do?
99 weeks ago
John Creech: I'm a recruiter for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Check out this YouTube link to see what we're all about. MoreI'm a recruiter for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Check out this YouTube link to see what we're all about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3YFBDDRx6Y
99 weeks ago
Michael: I agree with Kate - two years in an AmeriCorps program focusing on building volunteer programs taught me that a personal ask will get you farther ...MoreI agree with Kate - two years in an AmeriCorps program focusing on building volunteer programs taught me that a personal ask will get you farther in recruitment than just about anything else - even free admission to a Disney park.
99 weeks ago
John Creech: I'm sorry, I must have missed something. Did you post to the wrong comment? Who's Kate?
99 weeks ago
Sam Montoia: I agree with Michael here. A reasonable call to action would send me in a new direction.
99 weeks ago
Michael: John - Kate's is second comment after Demetra's question.
99 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: Barbara: I am a student studying economics with a passion for social enterprise and mission based community action.

John: You have brough up a ...MoreBarbara: I am a student studying economics with a passion for social enterprise and mission based community action.

John: You have brough up a great point: "a sense of purpose greater than the discomfort involved in taking that first step." I have felt this way before but I always remeber I am serving a purpose greater than myself.
99 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Did your passion arise from personal circumstances? Or were you raised with this kind of awareness? Or...?
99 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: I feel I was born with the determination and desire to help others. However, I am sure my upbringing and personal circumstance directed me to my ...MoreI feel I was born with the determination and desire to help others. However, I am sure my upbringing and personal circumstance directed me to my area of passion. I naturally want to help people but because of my experiences I want to focus on helping disadvantaged young people.
99 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: What a great area to focus on.... I've been focused on the arts a long time but am interested in many creative endeavors that push the boundaries ...MoreWhat a great area to focus on.... I've been focused on the arts a long time but am interested in many creative endeavors that push the boundaries into positive change.
And there is no shortage of need in this regard! Are you working with an organization or school?
99 weeks ago
Zack Zaban: Check out Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone.

He tries to tackle the understanding of how we connect and why social connections are vital to ...MoreCheck out Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone.

He tries to tackle the understanding of how we connect and why social connections are vital to civic engagement.
98 weeks ago
: Personally, I would advise you when you are out there campaigning to get people to do more within there community to make sure you emphasize a) ...MorePersonally, I would advise you when you are out there campaigning to get people to do more within there community to make sure you emphasize a) what the people volunteering will get out of it and b) since we live in an individualistic culture that prides itself on providing people a hand-up and not a hand-out, I would emphasize the "opportunity" you would be giving those within said community to alleviate their situation themselves WITH your organizations assistance, rather than having your organization alleviate the situation FOR them.

Best advice I can provide as a former local community organizer myself.
98 weeks ago
Andy Huston: The book Switch has some good points - The Rider, The Elephant, & The Path.

Everyone wants to do good, but they need to feel like they have ...MoreThe book Switch has some good points - The Rider, The Elephant, & The Path.

Everyone wants to do good, but they need to feel like they have a defined objective to accomplish otherwise any role is TOO big to tackle. I also like Kate's answer above - make a clear ask.

98 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: @Barbara: Most of the work I do right now is through school, but I am setting up some outside projects for prior to and after graduation. So how ...More@Barbara: Most of the work I do right now is through school, but I am setting up some outside projects for prior to and after graduation. So how did you put the concept for your blog together?

@Chris: Hey Chris, thanks for the advice. In what city were you a community organizer and what were some of your primary duties?

@Zach & @Andy: Thanks, I will add those to my reading list.
98 weeks ago
Barbara Bowen: Demetra: The concept developed after twenty years in the arts, understanding the creative process and its relationship to culture.
98 weeks ago
David Macauley: Right or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks ...MoreRight or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks involved and motivated... Just my 2 cents :)
98 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: @David: I agree, incentive is very important in order to persuade people to take action. Thanks for the feedback!!!
98 weeks ago
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