3-30-3
Action to Make a Difference
Years back, I read about a modestly important author, actually a lawyer as I recall, who wrote a couple of novels while waiting for his wife to get dressed for social events. Using those bits of time that crop up almost daily could fuel a revolution if enough people used small bits of time to take personal action and urged others to do likewise.
I began thinking about how people acting together could make a big difference with moderate commitments of time. An idea got a label — “3-30-3.” A few thoughts follow.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” She also said; “We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.”
3-30-3 is a way we engage through collective responsibility. That is our body politic. It can be real and get important things done to change the direction of our democracy and assure that our environment will sustain a society that is worth sustaining. A key is stewardship and each person can do a little using the 3-30-3 Plan and each small action will make a huge difference.
What, then, does 3-30-3 mean? To begin, it means you! Pick Your Passion and Take A Position. What do you want to happen?
The first “3” means ASK three questions — Who can help? What information, persuasion, support do they need? Why, When and How do you expect they will ACT? Make a list of people and pick three;
Then, “30” means donate up to thirty minutes/day to your issue. One chunk or just grab those odd idle moments. Connect by any means available with three people you believe can help;
The final “3” means do this three days per week. That is doable! That is sustainable! That is action to make a difference. No meetings to attend. No donation is needed from your personal treasury.
Take action on your issue for 3 to 30 minutes, making three contacts a day, three days a week. You and I can do this by following a personal passion to do something about an issue that needs social attention.
I welcome a conversation about the 3-30-3 concept with an issue that is personally important for you. Send an email to me at bflind58 (at) gmail (dot) com. In your subject line use “3-30-3.” I will get back to you as quickly as I can. In the meantime, take a look at my website for more thoughts. Your help is essential. Your questions will help clarify and advance the 3-30-3 goal of greater engagement.