The racist rhetoric from politicians is inspiring people to organize, as more people see what happens by not getting active.

I call myself an addicted organizer.

My children grew up very resourceful and strong in spite of them having to live with different families and that I had to drag them all over the country with me.

As we've focused more on our food and where it comes from, people now have greater awareness of what's being put onto our food, pesticides, labeling issues, and consumer health.

Going door to door and talking to people, convincing them to vote - this is what I call Organizing 101.

The great social justice changes in our country have happened when people came together, organized, and took direct action. It is this right that sustains and nurtures our democracy today. The civil rights movement, the labor movement, the women's movement, and the equality movement for our LGBT brothers and sisters are all manifestations of these rights.

I was very fortunate to have known Fred Ross Sr., who was organizing the Community Service Organization (CSO) way back in the late 50's and early 60's. I was able to work with him.