At every meeting we hold, we are seeing more and more new faces. Back in September at my first Green Party meeting, I had met only a handful of people in the pub. Last night, we had 21 people attend the meeting, half of whom I’d never met before. Such a large group is difficult to chair at a single meeting, and we may need to think of a different way of doing things if these numbers of people start to increase even more.
As readers of this will know, I have been very active on Facebook and Twitter, essential self-promotion tools for the modern aspirant I suppose. I’m very conscious of the fact that this can sometimes seem like preaching to the converted. Do my posts ever sway anyone’s opinion? An online presence is essential, but it’s no replacement for canvassing and meeting people in person. Reaching out to people on Twitter and Facebook has encouraged so many new people to be involved and was responsible for many of the new people at the meeting. I’ve also been fortunate to meet people in their day-to-day. I had good conversations with a younger and older gentleman who worked at the cafe I was having lunch in yesterday. There was a 25 year old man was new to the area, voted Lib Dem last time but unsure now, who had a girlfriend who wanted to vote Green. The older gentleman had been redundant by the council and had had a long history of public service, disenfranchised, and vote UKIP last time. He told me that rather sheepishly and apologetically as he was on his way out. Dare I say it, he felt ashamed. After a conversation with him, I explained that I understood why people feel disenfranchised, and he said he’d consider the Greens in May.
I suppose all the frantic social media activity help to motivate and encourage those who already think on the same page as you. The effect of seeing your friends getting involved with things and visibly supporting what is still considered to be a minor fringe party, helps us to ‘mainstream’ to bring the different ideas into the minds of people, to break down psychological barriers to acting on something you believe passionately in. Social media then becomes not merely media of messaging, but media for motivation. Contrast this with the constant bad news that we get streamed directly through our screens into our brains. This bad news acts to discourage people, and pushes the buttons that trigger insecurity and anxiety. It’s no wonder that the spectrum of acceptable opinion has shrunk so much, and shifted so far to the political right. Even opening up that space a little, to provide the ideological wriggle room for new ideas to be mulled over seriously can help lead the way to a better politics, and ultimately a better society and planet.
What is it that inspires people to enter politics then? What inspires people to campaign and protest? For many surely, the answer to both questions should be along the lines of wanting to create a better society, or standing up against corruption and injustice. This is certainly my answer to both questions. From what we’ve seen in politics in recent times, from expenses scandals (still ongoing) and corruption (cash for access) to purported child sexual abuse by politicians, and stirring up racial hatred for political success, it’s no wonder that trust and respect for politicians is rock-bottom. From these stories, we get the impression that politicians seem only able to find new ways of creating corruption and injustice whilst barely doing anything to address the injustices of the past. This is sad.
I’m reading a book by Caroline Lucas entitled “Honourable Friends?”. Her rough and ready view of our political system. I’m only up to chapter 3 and I’m already despairing for us collectively, for the establishment really does seem unfit for purpose. I can imagine the Palace of Westminster to be a corrupting force in itself. The headiness of power, having one’s appetite whetted by the prospect of sitting on those green benches probably can corrupt you. I guess this is why it’s so refreshing to meet politicians who don’t fit that bill at all. I had a conversation with the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for St Helens South and Whiston, Gillian Keegan. She was very pleasant to speak to, very personable, and made more effort than many other more established politicians in the police briefing. I had the pleasure of bumping into Mike Haw, one of my local Liberal Democrat councillors, on the train today. We had a nice chat, and again, very personable. Is this is all a show to hide the conniving malevolence beneath? I doubt it. I do think that some politicians enter politics for the right reasons. There are many who don’t and are careerist, as is the case in medicine too. Politicians are only human, and even if with the best intentions, when bad ideas pervade our mindspace, it’s no wonder that we end up with harmful policies and systems.
So what have I learned from this long rambling reflection I’ve just written?
We must do the basics well. We need reach out to people genuinely, organise effectively, identify and motivate those who are keen, plan ahead. We must talk to people, don’t presume and right people off just because they voted for such-and-such-a-body, or is a standing in the election for ‘a nasty party’. We can’t build anything if our hands are constantly clenched in fists. We can’t show people a better way if we act ignorant and dismissive ourselves.
We need to ensure that what we do links our passions, ideas and is grounded in the work that we do. In other words, connecting our head, hands and heart. By being grounded, or rooted to people and the planet, can we make sure we have their best interests at heart – to guard against corruption. We wouldn’t let our friends down would we? Building and maintaining friendships is essential for building an organisation that works well. Linking our ideas with the things that anger or inspire us will help us to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing, to keep our spirits up.
Don’t be afraid to talk of different ideas. What was once radical and extreme is now quite normal and considered to be right. Many doctors were against the forming of the NHS. We are now amongst its most ardent advocates. Men and women have died fighting for their right to vote. Today, many of us don’t even know when to vote, nor have any inclination to. Share those ideas, raise peoples eyebrows, feel your heart race when you stand up to challenge someone, and enjoy doing your bit in improving our society.
Welcome, to those who are newly active in politics and campaigning. Remember that feeling that made you want to do something and try to hang on to it.
James Chan 