What power do you possess? Are you using it to the fullest?
A couple weeks ago I attended a school board meeting here in Hamilton County. This was a regular session, but I always find these meetings very interesting. Before they start, I like looking for the “usual” people there- wondering why they are so involved, watching the school board members interact with others before the session, and seeing friendly faces. While these meetings always have a seriousness about them, some of the meetings seem to have a light undertone. Still, the issues discussed at these meetings have an incredible difference in the lives of citizens here in Hamilton County, impacting over 40,000 students and their families.
Last night in my Peace Studies course, we had a speaker conduct a “Power Workshop.” Within the workshop we discussed the concept of power- including it’s connotations, the amount of power we have, and the amount of power others possess. Our speaker asked what we would think if someone walked up to us and said “All you want is power.” My thoughts immediately went into defense mode, assuming the negative connotations of power. However, as I began to think about the topic and our class discussed the concept, we explored “empowerment” and how power can be radically different depending on who holds it. In thinking about the school board members, each and every one of them holds the power of one vote, which collectively makes a decision that impacts our county.
The speaker asked how much power we possess within different scopes of our lives- personal level (family, friends), voluntary level (religious affiliation, Greek organizations), and the involuntary level (university, companies such as banks, electric). It was interesting to hear the thoughts of others, some of whom feel powerless on a daily basis and others that feel they have an immense amount of power. However, while many people believed they possess power, they ended their thoughts negatively saying that
“the powers that be” would trump that power.
Making a difference and obtaining power takes time, commitment, education, and perseverance. A local example of this is the zoning of Hill City into Normal Park. While this was a step smaller than what this community envisioned, it was still a step toward obtaining their goal.
We possess more power than we realize. We are capable of making a difference.