Big Citizens
Citizen diplomacy is mostly rooted in the concept of citizens reaching out to other citizens in an act of friendship, kindness, and courtesy. People have the ability and capacity to completely transform their society through helping one another and providing service to better ensure the well-being and prosperity of communities everywhere. This is the real driver of change. Citizens engaging in social entrepreneurial actions that focus on improving American and the world from the bottom up and not relying on and waiting for governments to elicit change on the behalf of citizens. The power to implement change lies within the people's ability to get up and start creating a better world around them.
Social entrepreneurer Alan Khazei, co-founder of City Year and founder of Be the Change, Inc. has released a new book titled, Big Citizenship: How Pragmatic Idealism Can Bring Out the Best in America. According to Khazei, the debate over whether 'government is the problem' or 'government is not doing enough' is out-of-date. The real question needs to be are the people of the United States doing enough to ensure the happiness and well-being of the community? Therefore, we need BIG CITIZENS to make lasting change within our communities and country.
Tonight, there is a virtual book party with Alan via conference call with David Guggenheim (Director of An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting For Superman). All are welcome to join by calling 712-432-0075 with code 182915. You may also RSVP by emailing echerniack@gmail.com.
It is time to reevaluate the role of governments and citizens and start making service the solution to the problems instead of blaming it on too much government or not enough goverment.
Do you know of any BIG CITIZENS doing great and impactful work within your community? How can you make a difference and start improving your community for the benefit of all?
Posted Wednesday, September 1, 2010