08/19/2022 / PRZen / DES MOINES, Iowa – After constant turmoil and despair, a vast majority of Americans feel completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems we face in our communities today. From gun violence to poverty to endless political controversy, trust in government is low and tensions are high. A human rights activist believes there is a better way.

Emmy-winning attorney and human rights activist Joshua V. Barr has spent his life teaching others how to better understand one another and build thriving communities through the power of personal responsibility. With many looking to the federal government to solve these problems, Joshua argues that real change is happening at the grassroots level. He now speaks to groups across the country, teaching them how to navigate the complexities of local government.

Understanding our individual communities and dealing with the power structures within them is the only way to drive change. Barr explains

“All efforts at change need an engine behind it that keeps the movement sustainable. The community is the engine driving the changes needed in their communities. Always has been, always will be.”

Change doesn’t start with the federal government or even business leaders, it starts with individuals and the communities in which they live. This makes switching easier – and quicker – than most people think.

Here are 10 steps to increasing engagement and transforming communities from within we can do TODAY:

1. Understand your type of government and who your local representatives are

• There are primary types of local government:
• Council Manager Government: The city council oversees general administration, makes policies, sets the budget and appoints a professional city manager to handle day-to-day administrative tasks…