A New Career Opportunity...

The world's most famous community organizer has inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Many students are starting to realize that money isn't the most important thing in life. They desire to impact lives in a positive way. However, this job hasn't always been that alluring to recent college graduates. It was once thought of as a job for lefty radicals committed to living lives of low pay, frustration and bitter burnout. But today's youth is viewing the career opportunity in a new light. They even consider it exciting. Those interested in this new path envision helping communities address urgent issues like economics, the environment, education and/or social justice.

President Obama helped ignite the burning passion of community organization through his presidential campaign and memior by glamorizing the unheard of position. He also explained what exactly it meant to be a communiy organizer. In his memior, he wrote about meeting with people in their homes and churches and listening to their stories of failure and of small victories. Community-based organizations have not done a good job of marketing their work. However, sometimes all it takes is one person. In this case it just so happens to be the President of the United States. His campaign was full of free advertising and they used the publicity to fully capitalize on it. This is inspiration to many knowing that their president went from a community organizer to a world leader.

President Obama claimed that working as a community organizer was the best education he had ever had. The job offers certain intangible skills that may not be found elsewhere. Students can see a direct result of the skills a person can learn by looking to President Obama. His concern and the way he relates with everyday people is a direct result of his role in community organizing. However, the main concern with the recent rise in popularity is the lack of guarantee that they will stick with it. It is highly possible that they could eventually become frustrated about the lack of progress.

Original article from NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/fashion/12organizer.html?ref=fashion