The Importance of Being There

 

Civic engagement that leads to a coalition of neighborhoods or opposition to a super-sized playground in a park is an essential part of the governing process, say politicians, activists, and theorists. In Park Hill, community activism ranges from struggling to improve conditions for low paid workers to a program encouraging people to connect through walking.

“Citizenship is an office, not an entitlement; it carries certain responsibilities and duties,” says Thad Tecza, professor emeritus in political science at the University of Colorado. “The notion of a ‘republic’ includes the concept of a res publica or public space in which people can and should act in the name of the common good and detached from the pursuit of individual self-interest.”

Metropolitan State University of Denver President Stephen Jordan says more succinctly: “The community always needs rabble rousers.”

Activists continue their work despite at times being demeaned and dismissed by those in power. City Councilman Chris Nevitt, for example, once declared that park advocates represent “hysteria, extremism, and narrow parochial interests.” More recently, Councilman Albus Brooks described opponents of a huge playground attraction as “a bunch of protestors.”

Longtime Park Hill resident Laura Avant, affiliated with the political group MoveOn, says she moved to the area “in search of an integrated neighborhood.” Avant says she has been voluntarily involved in political affairs since her mid-20’s, when she “encountered discrimination in housing, police attempts to silence dissent, economic inequality at home, and an unnecessary and costly war abroad.”

“We have to take ownership of how we want things to be,” says Jonathan Stalls of Park Hill, who has walked 3,000 miles cross country to meet ordinary people from Delaware to California. Stalls runs Walk2Connect, which features activities involving the social aspects of walking.

 Joining forces

Following tradition, The Rev. Daniel Klawitter of Park Hill heads Denver’s Inter-Faith Worker Justice (IWJ) commission. Klawitter is a minister in the United Methodist Church, a denomination with a reputation for social involvement. He recently issued a statement of opposition to the secretive trade treaty known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Larry Ambrose, president of Denver’s Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, emphasizes the value of local activism.

“Thankfully, there are still civic minded, bright and altruistic people who recognize the importance of affecting local affairs first, and that only because of their involvement is a better world still a possibility,” says Ambrose. “Without them, the future would be bleak and, who knows what would run completely rampant.”

Being an activist doesn’t necessarily mean being an adversary. “We have to acknowledge the results of doing something truly positive, as we try to deal with problems collaboratively whenever possible,” says Jay Rust, president of Neighbors and Friends of Cheesman Park. Rust has been working successfully with Denver Parks and Recreation recently on getting official designation of more city parks.

“I am astounded at how bad things are and how much worse they will get if we do not do something,” says Denverite Irene Clark, another MoveOn activist. “To the vast majority of people reading this who are not [involved], why aren’t you?”

“Call me stubborn – maybe stupid – but I have never believed, nor do I now, that power or the status quo is immutable,” says former City Councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt. “I believe we engage in civic life to be part of something bigger, more meaningful and lasting than what we might accomplish as an individual.”

What government can’t fix

Cathy Donohue, another former City Councilwoman and veteran of nearly 30 years in city government, weighs in on her own continued commitment:

“I’m a 75-year-old who still thinks the people of our world will continue to need someone to remind them that there are some issues too important to let the government fix it,” she says. “At this point, my focus is on bringing attention to the city mothers and fathers that selling parkland is a no-no.”

“Citizen activism is always meaningful and powerful,” concurs current City Council President Mary Beth Susman of District 5. “I have been an activist myself for almost 30 years. When you are outspoken and passionate about something, there will usually be someone who is outspoken and passionate about the other thing. It is part of the process.”

 

 

Breaking the ‘Monotony’ Between Birth and Death 

Community Activists Share Their Motivations

 

“Why do I do it? Because it is the most interesting of all activities and it breaks the monotony between the two significant events in one’s life, i.e. birth and death.”

Thad Tecza, professor emeritus in political science at the University of Colorado

 

“You have to stay the course, do your homework, be informed, stand up for what you believe, and be willing to speak out.”

Jay Rust, president of Neighbors
and Friends of Cheesman Park

 

“I cut my political teeth in the late 1960’s – participating in anti-war demonstrations, volunteering for quixotic political campaigns, [and] coming of age at a time when political action affected outcomes. I witnessed the successful efforts of a group of environmentalists, led by a contrarian Colorado legislator – Dick Lamm – organize people across the state to say No! to the 1976 Olympic Games. I worked for Denver’s first Hispanic Mayor, Federico Peña, who despite being unpopular with the city’s political and business elite, transformed Denver from a low-profile mountain gateway into a diverse, eclectic urban hub.”

Former Denver Councilwoman
Susan Barnes-Gelt

 

“One day while yelling at the TV, I figured I do not have the right to be upset if I do not get involved. I refuse to pass a corrupt system on to my children and am compelled to do what I can with my time and skills until it is fixed.”

MoveOn activist Irene Clark