By Lawrence Lehr and Hank Topper for Santa Rosa Together
After our recent election we find ourselves as divided as ever. In the face of so many challenges, can partisan efforts solve our problems? Doesn’t our experience indicate that we need an alternative to the rancor in our national political life?
Santa Rosa Together, a nonpartisan volunteer group, has been looking at local alternatives. We understand that we can only move forward by working together. If we want to overcome our divisions and unite our city, we will need to create a better politics.
Our experience is that despite our differences, we have more in common than not.
We are volunteers from all political persuasions and have been working together for eight years to improve our city. Whether right or left, we have gotten to know and respect each other, and we have learned how to work together.
Democratic citizens aren’t born, they’re developed through practicing democracy. Our politics should give us that practice by making participation accessible to everyone, including meeting with neighbors so we can get to know each other and take responsibility for our neighborhoods.
Let’s create strong neighborhood organizations in every part of our city, partnerships where we move beyond partisan allegiances, meet face to face and find common ground. Then, when our city needs to address a challenge, like creating the affordable housing we desperately need, let’s start the planning process in our neighborhoods.
Let’s give neighborhoods, the information and expertise to discuss issues and make informed decisions. Then let’s create the opportunity for neighborhoods to come together in citywide meetings to create the plan we need to address the challenge and take this plan to the City Council for approval and implementation.
Let’s make sure that every neighborhood has a role in implementation so that we can all contribute to the work. Neither government nor nongovernmental organizations can solve our problems by themselves. Our local governments would function much more effectively if they organized neighborhoods to guide and assist them.
Let’s transform city government from a cadre of experts doing things for us into an organization helping us get organized, and partnering with us to do the work of the city.
This isn’t rocket science, but it won’t be easy. Yet it could contribute greatly to overcoming our divisions.
We must get more engaged with each other and develop confidence in our ideas and ourselves. Wouldn’t this defuse the power of partisanship and help us find common values that would allow us to build a great city? Neighbors formulating common goals while learning from others is the way to build trust and accomplish great things.
Santa Rosa Together is working on opportunities to rebuild our politics.
The pending general plan update can begin the process of bringing residents together and strengthening our neighborhoods. We will start a citywide conversation to develop city charter amendments to define a new partnership between neighborhoods and government. And we will start a neighborhood building and youth engagement program to give residents opportunities to learn from each other and strengthen neighborhood organizations and civic institutions.
We believe that this is some of the most important work any of us can do right now. Let’s create a new model that revitalizes democracy for ourselves and our children and create a city that better reflects our deepest values. Contact us at santarosatogether.org and learn how you can help.
Hank Topper and Lawrence Lehr are members of Santa Rosa Together.
Some truly excellent info , Sword lily I noticed this. “We must learn our limits. We are all something, but none of us are everything.” by Blaise Pascal.
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
Somebody essentially assist to make critically posts I might state.
Some really wonderful posts on this internet site, regards for contribution. “A religious awakening which does not awaken the sleeper to love has roused him in vain.” by Jessamyn West.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this
sopsosyal hacklink satın al ve 1 numara ol google.
Stay up the good work! You understand, a lot of individuals are hunting round for this info,
So how do they stack up in terms of how well they work.
Stay up the good work! You understand, a lot of individuals are hunting round for this info,
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the information!
site everyday as it offers quality contents, thanks
Some really wonderful information, Gladiolus I detected this. “Now hatred is by far the longest pleasure men love in haste but they detest at leisure.” by George Gordon Byron.
Still, the posts are too brief for beginners.
So that’s why this piece of writing is outstdanding. Thanks!
so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your
Stunning Krita Sanon Hi res pictures Luka Chuppi Duniyaa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21pypr2eOZQ
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this
Some truly nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, too I believe the style and design has got fantastic features.
starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just
so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
Some really fantastic posts on this web site, regards for contribution. “Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.” by Sarah Knowles Bolton.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe that this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the advice!
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this
Some really nice and useful info on this website, also I believe the layout has excellent features.
starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup?
Spot on with this write-up, I actually feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!
subject!
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the information!
Superb post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more
subject. Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post.
Some really fantastic posts on this web site, regards for contribution. “Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.” by Sarah Knowles Bolton.
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this web site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
Still, the posts are very short for newbies.
Sperm become more active and mobile.
Sperm become more active and mobile.
so now me also commenting here.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this
still care for to stay it smart. I cant wait to learn much more from you.
Someone essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts I would state.
Studying this information So i am glad to exhibit
Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of people are looking around
Superb work!
subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog!
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this amazing site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the advice!
tadalafil generique http://cadciali.com/# Tonguw jzlvpu
subject. Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post.