People Power: What it is, and how you can build it
- ugnebudriunaite
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
People power is the quiet hum of a community coming alive. It’s the spark that ignites when ordinary individuals - like you and me - decide to stand together, to dream together, to fight together. It’s the force behind every great movement in history, from the civil rights marches to the climate strikes. It’s the collective strength of voices rising, hands joining, and hearts beating as one.
But what does it mean to build people power?
And what can I - what can "we" - do to create it?
What Is People Power?
I came across the concept for the first time when I was in Malmö, Sweden attending the face-to-face board meeting of Regeneration 2030. I attended a workshop conducted by my colleague Keira Dignan, and it was eye-opening. Since then, I have been interested and did a little research by myself which will finally be boiled down in this blog post.
People power is not just a concept; it’s a practice. It’s the courage to believe that change is possible, even when the odds seem impossible. It’s the understanding that no one person can do everything, but everyone can do something. It’s the realization that when we come together, we are unstoppable. People's power is the antidote to apathy, the answer to injustice, and the foundation of a better world.
What Can I Do to Build People Power?
Building people power starts with a single step - a step toward connection, toward action, toward hope.
Here’s how you can begin:
1. Start Small, Start Local
- Connect with Your Community: Attend a local meeting, join a neighborhood group, or simply strike up a conversation with someone who shares your concerns.
- Listen and Learn: People power begins with empathy. Listen to the stories of others, and let their struggles and dreams inspire your own.
2. Educate Yourself and Others
- Stay Informed: Dive deep into the issues that matter to you. Knowledge is the fuel that powers movements.
- Share What You Learn: Use your voice - whether it’s through social media, a blog, or a casual chat - to spread awareness and spark action.
3. Build Relationships
- Find Allies: Seek out like-minded individuals and organizations. Solidarity is the heartbeat of people power.
- Amplify Voices: Lift up those who are often silenced. True power lies in inclusion and equity.
4. Take Action
- Organize Events: Host a rally, a workshop, or a community clean-up. Bring people together around a shared vision.
- Use Social Media: Share stories, campaigns, and calls to action. Turn your online presence into a force for change.
- Support Movements: Join existing campaigns or start your own. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger fight.
5. Advocate for Systemic Change
- Hold Leaders Accountable: Write to your representatives, attend town halls, or participate in lobbying efforts. Demand accountability from those in power.
- Push for Policy Change: Advocate for laws and policies that reflect the needs of the people, not just the powerful.
6. Empower Others
- Mentor and Train: Help others develop the skills and confidence to lead. People power grows when everyone feels empowered to act.
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories. Joy is a powerful motivator.
7. Stay Committed
- Be Consistent: Building people power is a marathon, not a sprint. Show up, even when it’s hard.
- Adapt and Grow: Learn from setbacks and keep refining your approach. Resilience is the soul of any movement.
The Beauty of People Power
People power is not just about changing the world - it’s about changing ourselves. It’s about realizing that we are not alone, that our voices matter, and that together, we can create something extraordinary. It’s about finding hope in the collective, strength in the shared, and beauty in the struggle.
So, what can you do to build people power?
Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.
Because when we come together, we are unstoppable.
And when we act together, we create a world that works for everyone.
Author: Jannat Rahman, Observer of ReGeneration 2030 Board
ReGeneration 2030 is a democratic and youth-led organisation, mobilising youth climate activists and movements from the Nordic and Baltic Sea region. Want to join us? Fill out a volunteer application form here.
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