What We Get Wrong About Power—And How to Reclaim It

Today, I attended the first two trainings on Self-Interest and Power as part of People’s Action’s community organizing series. This training is about understanding, building, and responsibly using power for ourselves and our communities.

Here’s the thing: We’ve been told that power is inherently corrupting, but that’s a fable meant to keep us from claiming it. If we fear power, we won’t take it from those who exploit it. But power itself isn’t the problem—who holds it and how they use it is.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Training:

  • Power = The ability to act. It’s not about control—it’s about getting things done.
  • Self-interest is NOT selfishness. It’s about understanding what drives us and using it to create collective change.
  • Avoiding power doesn’t dismantle oppression—it just lets the wrong people keep it.
  • Organized people + organized money = power. Without strategy and resources, movements stall.
  • We need to redefine power as a tool for liberation, not domination.

How This Connects to Operation Hope

Operation Hope is all about empowering people to take control of their economic and political futures. Understanding power—how to build it, wield it, and sustain it—is key to that mission.

  • From Individual Action to Collective Power – Financial empowerment isn’t just personal success; real economic justice requires community organizing. Change happens when we mobilize together, not just as individuals.
  • Power as Liberation, Not Domination – Like wealth, power is concentrated in the hands of a few. If we don’t organize people and resources, the same forces will keep controlling our economy and politics. This training teaches how to reclaim power for justice, accountability, and sustainability.
  • Building Power Where We Live – Operation Hope isn’t just about financial literacy; it’s about governing our own communities through grassroots economic initiatives and policy advocacy. This training equips us to strategically mobilize people and money for lasting change.
  • Overcoming the Fear of Power – Many people don’t believe they have power, or they fear using it. This training challenges those limiting beliefs and provides practical tools for stepping into leadership and action.

If you’re serious about learning how to build collective power, I highly recommend People’s Action’s four-part community organizing training. It’s a space to learn how to mobilize people, resources, and strategy to take action where we live.

https://peoplesaction.org/training/

What do you think?

  • How do we apply these ideas to economic empowerment and financial justice?
  • What would organizing power around economic justice look like?
  • How can we ensure that Operation Hope doesn’t just help individuals, but builds power collectively?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

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