I'm not condescending them with theory and literature. They feel more empowered from the moment they open their door because someone is listening to their problems. (I took this approach into the classroom too, with some success!)

March 10, 2026 - 17:24 UTC

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From there, you can be very Socratic. Ask them what they think could be done to address these problems. They are still in the driver's seat, using their creative faculties to see potential solutions. After a few conversations like that, you can say, "Hey, some of your neighbors have also...
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...mentioned the water quality is really bad. I just talked to a mother yesterday who said her baby kept getting sick until she started making formula with bottled water." Now they start seeing connections to others they can organize with. You are still empowering them.
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