working togetherThere is no mystery that I am new to this thing called “Advocacy.” I am unaccustomed to working by committee. As an entrepreneur for the last 15+ years, I’ve answered to myself. If there was anyone to let down, it was me. The trickle down only affected my family. So when I began this journey into NORML, the lessons I would learn…would exceed my personal expectations.

There is usually a personal story that you come to the table with. That one thing that you personally identify with. For many advocates, the story varies…but there’s always 1 constant. They are passionate. When you meet a real advocate, you will know it. Their passion is unmistakable. The pro-marijuana community is exactly like this. When I first began working with NORML, I couldn’t figure it out…why so many people seemed so upset. I was new…still new, but I’ve come to figure this out now.

Being an online marketer, I felt I would be a good idea to write this article…and promote this as far and wide as I can. The reason is quite simple. When I began with NORML, I kept hearing: “We’ve got to work together, because if we don’t we’ll end up like California and miss the boat when the time comes.” There is no blame for California, I knew this. California had done things the rest of the country had only dreamed of…until Colorado.

Arizona was on track to do them same. Some people became disillusioned with NORML In Arizona, and thought it was time to start their own organizations. When I joined up, I had no idea I was walking into a tempest here in the desert. In a strange course of events, I ended up in the State Director position. Caught in what was seemingly the line of fire between numerous groups of passionate people all fighting for 1 plant. What does everyone want? Pretty much the same thing.

All anyone wants…is to be heard. To feel their voice matters. To not be left out.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes…there is that 1 bad apple. In the MMJ community, in a place of reality…you do what must be done with any bad apple to save the rest of the barrel.

The thing about a splintered MMJ community, is…there must be unity in the community. Without it, the word community doesn’t exist. I know people are anxious after the elections to “Carpe Diem” (Seize The Day). The importance of working together is even greater than it was before. As we gain more foothold, so increases our responsibility. The need to get it right is going to be greater. The country is more “Red” than it was before this past election. This means to achieve our goals, every state without a medical or rec law with multiple marijuana advocacy groups operating within the community…need to become unified and organized. This is the way we win. This is the road to decriminalization and rescheduling.

In being an advocate, the importance of this is far beyond the story I identify with, my story as a patient. It’s everyone in this community that this affects, everyone who has awareness of how this affects them. An even greater responsibility, is everyone who is yet to realize the many benefits this plant has for our community.

Everyone’s voice is equally important, but be prepared to work with your fellow community members. Be prepared to tell your story. Be prepared to pave a different road that still gets you to the same place we are all going.

This is the way to unity.