In a country grappling with widening inequality, political polarization, and deep social divides, equitable change often feels out of reach, especially for the Americans who have been left behind by traditional systems of power. Low-income families, immigrants, people of color, and working-class groups have long struggled under policies that serve the privileged few while sidelining the needs of the many.

But there is another way forward: community building and political organizing. These grassroots tools are reclaiming democracy from the ground up. That’s because the fight for justice can’t be won solely at the ballot box or in government chambers — it must start with community-building activities in neighborhoods, workplaces, and local networks. The movement politics model fosters leadership in ordinary citizens in order to challenge oppression and build solutions together.

From tackling community issues, such as housing rights and clean water to immigrant protections and racial equality, this work must be driven by those directly impacted by injustice, not disconnected elites. Sustainable change requires civic participation and must be rooted in authentic community experience.

Understanding Community Organizing and Community Building

What Is Community Building?

Community building focuses on strengthening the social ties and trust that form the foundation of effective organizing. Creating inclusive and connected communities helps create the conditions for equity by elevating the voices and leadership of those most often excluded from decision-making. Building community includes work such as hosting neighborhood events, forging cross-cultural alliances, and investing in local leadership.

What Is Community Organizing?

Community organization is the process of mobilizing groups of people already unified by community building — especially those impacted by injustice — to identify problems, build collective power, and demand change.

This approach focuses on addressing systemic issues in the community, state, and nation through strategic, coordinated actions. These can include public demonstrations, policy advocacy, and voter engagement. For example, organizing plays a vital role in advancing housing justice, as it gives residents the power to challenge inequitable conditions, including eviction, gentrification, and underfunded neighborhoods.

Why These Tools Are the Key to Real and Effective Change

Community organizing and community building are not new ideas, but they are increasingly recognized as the most effective ways to achieve transformative, inclusive progress.

Empowering Those Most Impacted by Problems

Traditional politics often overlook the lived experiences of low-income or marginalized people. Organizing flips this model by empowering any individual to become a community organizer and leader. It prepares ordinary and previously disenfranchised citizens to run for office, lead advocacy campaigns, and hold elected officials accountable.

Building Social Cohesion and Trust

Effective change requires a strong foundation of relationships, trust, and shared purpose. Community building strengthens these foundations, allowing neighbors to collaborate across lines of difference and respond to shared challenges, whether it’s a public health crisis or voter suppression.

Achieving Lasting, Community-Driven Solutions

Organizing teaches people how to analyze systems of oppression, identify leverage points, and work together to change policies and practices that cause harm. This work has led to significant victories in housing, healthcare, education, and immigrant rights across the country.

Protecting Democracy at the Grassroots Level

Civic engagement and election protection, including community education and poll monitoring, ensure that all voices — especially those of marginalized groups — are heard and counted. This grassroots oversight is vital to resisting voter suppression and upholding democratic values.

Why Social Justice Nonprofits Are the Most Powerful Vehicles for Change

While individuals can make a difference on their own, joining forces with social justice nonprofits dramatically multiplies the impact. These organizations provide structure, resources, and strategic support that enable communities to organize effectively.

Michigan United, a social justice and community-building nonprofit organization, is a leading example of the movement politics model in action. A leader among Michigan nonprofits, their campaigns have helped protect immigrants from deportation and other abuses, push back against unjust presidential administration policies, and fight for access to necessities, such as clean air and affordable healthcare. The organization highlights how community-led nonprofits are able to rapidly mobilize in defense of civil rights because they already have deep local networks and trusted relationships in place.

One of Michigan United’s most effective efforts is Project 3.5, which seeks to train 3.5% of Michigan’s population — roughly 350,000 people — in nonviolent direct action. This figure is based on research showing that no government can withstand sustained, nonviolent resistance from just 3.5% of the population. Through workshops, coaching, and on-the-ground campaigns, Project 3.5 aims to activate an unstoppable grassroots force for justice.

Initiatives such as those driven by Michigan United don’t just fight injustice: They build community, foster empowerment, and show people that they don’t have to wait for others to create change. Anyone can do it themselves, together.

Get Organized With Michigan United’s Project 3.5

Michigan United is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken healthcare and immigration systems, protect our environment, end mass incarceration, and make essential services accessible to all. To build that kind of power, we need to organize 3.5% of the state’s population. Starting with you.

We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history as we prepare to confront the troubling realities of the current White House administration. Working families are under attack — from Lansing to DC — and we’re fighting back. If you’re wondering what you can do, Michigan United is here for you. We have campaigns in place to protect Michiganders from all forms of injustice, which means you can make a difference in all the areas that matter to you, right here, all in one place.

As a member of Project 3.5, you will gain the listening, communication, and planning skills to become an effective advocate for the people in your neighborhood. This is your chance to become the leader you've always wanted to see. Join us in our quest to create a more just and inclusive society for all.

You can do this in whichever way works best for you. You can also join us as a Michigan United member, volunteer with us, or donate today!