I emphasize self-esteem, self-confidence, and dignity, not as an ideal, but as a real test of community organization. Without leadership development, community organizations do not have staying power.

Politics isn't about big money or power games; it's about the improvement of people's lives.

Politics is not about power.

Politics is not about power.

Sometimes, the only realists are the dreamers.

If a teacher does not involve himself, his values, his commitments, in the course of discussion, why should the students?

The first task in teaching is to bring to consciousness what the students already believe by virtue of their personal experiences about themselves and society.

The only way to change is to vote. People are responsible.

What makes community organizing especially attractive is the faith it places in the ability of the poor to make decisions for themselves.

Politics is about the improvement of people's lives. It's about advancing the cause of peace and justice in our country and the world. Politics is about doing well for the people.

The future will belong to those who have passion and are willing to work hard to make our country better.

There are three critical ingredients to democratic renewal and progressive change in America: good public policy, grassroots organizing and electoral politics.

Education and democracy have the same goal: the fullest possible development of human capabilities.

Our politics are our deepest form of expression: they mirror our past experiences and reflect our dreams and aspirations for the future.