BURIAL OF TUPOU IV

 

From: Andrew Phelps <dis_course@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: [cnmhc] Grassroots?

To: cnmhc@yahoogroups.com

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 7:03 PM

 

Rst wrote:

Klm wrote:

I don't want to let this thread die. I want to hear your suggestions on how to make the Network a more "grassroots" organization.

What do you mean by this statment about "grassroots. " Another question, [how] is the Network a non-grassroots org? This statement somehow suggests the Network is in part "non grassroots" and if this is so, who exactly are you refering too that is not grassroots that is part of the Network — please name names.

I'm asking because to me this statement suggests some consumers are grassroots and some are not. Which in my mind continues to create an "us vs. them" which seems counterproductive.

"Grassroots" is a political orientation not a personal situation. It has to do with the kind of advocacy one is doing, whether it's "top-down" or "bottom-up."

It's wrong to personalize it. It is true that some individuals are more "trapped in the behavioral control" of the system than others.

The problem with the Network (and I disagree with Klm on this) is that it is not oriented towards the advocacy for the grassroots. I don't know anyone among the activists in the CNMHC who COULDN'T be a grassroots advocate.

 

Andrew Phelps