to me, when people themselves know what they are looking for and recognize that they can exercise some influence by action, that's progress.

We need to bring issues together because we need to bring people together to build the power necessary to create change. (page 140)

Certainly one thing that I've learned is that it is important to pick a problem based on how much you care about it.

It was such a mobilizing thing that I decided to get involved.

If you show people the problems and you show people the solutions they will be moved to act.

If you care about something enough, you'll find a way to make it happen.

"I said "Somebody should do something about that." Then I realized I am somebody."

I for one believe that if you give people a thorough understanding of what confronts them and the basic causes that produce it, they'll create their own program, and when the people create a program, you get action.

To see people who will notice a need in the world and do something about it [...] Those are my heroes.

I changed the narrative and became the exception. Driven by a strong conviction to create impact at the grassroots by focusing on local homegrown solutions to environmental challenges or problems in the community.

Third: Become an advocate. By which I mean, pick an issue that means a lot to you (immigration, mental health, clean water) and look for an organization that’s doing work on that issue. Join. Give them your email address. Go to the meetings. Become a foot soldier. You’d be surprised how quickly foot soldiers in these organizations can become

I want people to see their own power.

It was important to lead an organization that was by people like us, who have lived experience and know how to tackle these issues in a respectful manner.

how you could build power not by putting others down but by lifting them up.