I say this because I (a mild-mannered, politically uninitiated English teacher) took the plunge a few years ago, along with several hundred students, faculty, staff and community supporters of Windward Community College.
Our goal had been to win funding for our campus master plan and upgrade the aging facilities that have been the college's home since it opened in 1972.
By most standards, we were political novices - average citizens with limited resources and few connections. But we have unlimited commitment to WCC and the good it has done for the community.
That, combined with sheer determination and the help of many people, has resulted in several million dollars in capital improvements. We expect to open a renovated community services building this fall to serve residents from Waimanalo to Kahuku and a new science building next spring.
These will replace what used to be cramped, leaking quarters dating back to the 1920s. Other classroom facilities for Hawaiian studies, the creative arts and computer technology are planned in the next few years.
Back in 1991, we, like many Hawaii residents today, were losing faith in the system and hope for the future. What's more, we felt powerless to do anything about it.
Although we were on the University Board of Regents' priority list for capital improvements, we were ranked No. 22. Maui Community College, another campus in need of repair, was No. 21. That year the governor recommended funding projects 1 through 20, along with a multimillion-dollar UH sports arena.
We at Windward were feeling more than a little desperate. Our community's higher education needs couldn't be met by our limited facilities. Who knew what the political climate or our place on the priority list might be two years from then? We seemed so close and yet so far from the promised land of future funding.
Although there was more money to go around in those days, the political pressures remained the same. Sports arena or classrooms? One set of priorities or another? Sen. Mike McCartney from the Windward side and Rep. David Ige were higher education committee chairmen that year and gave us a lesson in political hardball.
They encouraged us to make our case to anyone who would listen. So that's what we did. We circulated petitions, buttonholed legislators, even met with then-Gov. John Waihee. We jumped into the political fray because we wanted to do something rather than just feel helpless and complain.
Four months later, the Legislature committed $12.6 million for WCC and renewed hope for the future of higher education on the Windward side. Legislators hammered out a compromise that gave something to just about everyone, including Windward, Maui and Hawaii's sports fans. Our faith in the system was restored.
When I look back on those days, I realize how politically green we were. But we learned fast and our persistance paid off. We became known as a campus that had loyal students, community support and a spirit that made the most of our resources.
We also showed a generation of students and our community that the decision-making process can work - at least some of the time.
Of course, economic times are much tougher now. All the lobbying in the world may not help if there's not enough money to go around. But we average folks shouldn't give up on the process. We need to become akamai ourselves about how to make the process work for us.
WCC's experience is just one example of "the power of the people." As we've seen with the Alana Dung bone marrow drive, community fundraisers and neighborhood association projects, people mobilizing at the grassroots level can be a powerful force.
Voters in Hawaii and across the nation say they're becoming more and more disillusioned with politicians and a process they see as self-serving. But our elected officials are only as good as we require them to be. Many have good intentions and a sense of dedication. The challenge is to help them stay in touch with the community and follow their best instincts.
It's too easy to dismiss them all as bums and too naive to assume they all deserve humanitarian medals. The best we can do is try to keep them honest, accountable and aware of what we care about.
If you want to learn more about grassroots activism and working with policy makers and the media, attend one or all of the summer workshops listed in the box above.
They're sponsored by Family Community Leadership, a nationwide program for people who want to make a difference in their communities. You'll hear practical advice from ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
We "average" citizens have to believe we can still make our voices heard. Because if we give up, then we leave the policy-making to the special interests and the people with money to buy influence. And I don't think any of us want that for Hawaii or our children.
"Getting Noticed," a four-part Saturday morning series to help community groups and grassroots organizers work with the Legislature and the media, will be held in July and August at various Oahu locations. All workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Community workshops
"From the Ground Up: Grassroots Communications." Advice on organizing an effective community relations campaign, featuring state Sen. Mike McCartney, Windward Community College professor Libby Young and Kalowena Komeiji, organizer of the recent Alana Dung bone marrow drive. At Windward Community College, Eckerdt 102. July 13
"The How-Tos of Media Relations." A hands-on workshop on recognizing news, writing a press release, suggesting feature stories and do's and don'ts for different media, with public relations consultant Lynette Lo Tom. At the HEI Training Center, 1001 Bishop St., 8th floor, Room 2. July 27
"What the Press REALLY Wants: Advice from Media Pros." Hear representatives from the newspapers, television and radio tell how you can communicate your message effectively. Aug. 10
"Capital Close-Up: An Insider's Guide to the Legislature." An introduction to the mysteries of the legislative process by state Sen. Rosalyn Baker, Rep. Dennis Arakaki, veteran lobbyist and attorney Gary Slovin, and community volunteer Susan Yee. At the state Capitol. Aug. 24
The cost for the series is $40 total or $15 per session. The emphasis will be on helping participants develop their own plan of action. For more information and registration, call 956-7212 or 235-7433.