Support Mr. Obama with Family Activism

There is a joy resonating throughout the country to be living during this historical moment when we have elected an African-American, an organizer, and a courageous man to be president. It also thrills me that young and old, laborers and professionals, realize that one man cannot advance all the improvements we want for our society, but that we must all move the change together.

In his August 2008 acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination, Mr. Obama made it clear, "ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems." He went on to say "we must admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need." Mr. Obama's appeal is that we all step up and assume our "individual and mutual responsibility" to improve life for our families and communities. To this I say, Yes! To me, family includes neighbors, friends, co-workers, and others within and outside of my community; and we can help each other become more caring people.

While Mr. Obama did not use the words "cultural" or "family activism," I believe that is what he wants from all Americans, and especially from those of us who have supported his campaign. The activism of getting someone elected or advocating for government or corporate accountability is absolutely necessary. Yet, equally important is that we involve ourselves in nurturing among family, friends, and neighbors, a personal confidence and a caring commitment that engages all of us in helping and supporting each other. This is the cultural change necessary in our nation -- that we each create life-styles of increased commitment to service and positive change. Family activism can do this by consciously fostering these practices of love, power, and mutual support beginning with all our relationships.

Many of our families struggle under the stress of multiple jobs, the rising cost of living, and insufficient time to support the positive development of our children or the well-being of our neighbors. While government needs to protect us and invest our resources wisely, we must all be each other's keepers, recognizing that caring for and supporting each other's success is equally as important as insuring that we can all live joyful lives and enjoy safe communities. Family activism involves making Family our cause, which includes being proud about taking care of ourselves, our loved ones, and others within our communities; and also developing the community power necessary to encourage all levels of government and corporate accountability.

The Obama Campaign enthused me and millions of people to step out of our comfort zones and talk to neighbors and strangers about the changes we want for our nation. These actions must continue. We can begin by considering the following ideas about family activism and its role in advancing the American promise.

1. Personal and Family Responsibility. Mr. Obama said we are our brother's keeper and sister's keeper. Even good government is limited in what it can do to ensure the education and welfare of our children or the safety of our streets. The positive changes we want require every one of us to ask, "How can I be a better person, more fair and respectful of others, more committed to personal development and the development of those around me?" As a family activist, I have been doing this for years and encourage others within my family, business, and community to do the same. We must all own our responsibility and power to care for each other and move the positive changes we want for our own family, friends, and neighbors.

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