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There are two primary forms of energy: “potential” and “kinetic.” As a term for the ability to perform work, kinetic relates to action and movement while potential describes stored energy that, under a particular set of circumstances, can be transformed into kinetic. The sources and category of energy are usually defined by how they manifest: mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, nuclear, elastic and gravitational.
Technology at all levels, whether rudimentary or sophisticated, relies on energy to make things happen. At the root of energy usefulness for humans lies interaction and input. In order to adapt natural, primal energy to our needs, wants and desires, it is often manipulated, directed and controlled by a cadre of scientists, technicians, builders and skilled artisans. Without that input, energy may be plentiful and available, but dissipate without significant civic and societal benefit.
The relationship between people harnessing energy and those who receive its benefits may be complex, but the end result is often highly visible and, without technical detail… easily understood. If you turn on a light in your house, the process of providing energy to do so may be the result of a complex series of actions, but the end result is observable light energy.
Just as the end result of energy utilization is, at times, the culmination of a series of events, human action and reaction can also follow the same pattern. When problems, issues and events become visible to the general public, they are usually the result of a set of actions over time. In local politics, for instance, decisions of city councilmembers are often preceded by input from staff and residents who have knowledge, interest and experience with the subject. Although timeframes can vary from weeks, months or years, when seen from an outside observer’s reference, results may appear to be instantaneous. If the process is understood, residents actually have opportunities to affect the outcome through comments to committees, commissions and boards, providing valuable insight and input prior to final actions.
In many cases, staff recommendations are a deciding factor since councilmembers often rely on their factfinding and expertise to narrow personal gaps in knowledge of a particular subject. Such recommendations are typically the result of education, fact-finding research, and, hard to ignore internal bias. Missing too often is widespread community input at the foundational level. Often resident committees, boards and commissions operate within the limited framework of their own experience, serving without much fanfare, recognition or assistance from fellow residents. Although they provide valuable information and advice, additional viewpoints, voices and discussion should and could be a welcome addition to their deliberations.
In the context of energy, those involved at elected, staff and appointed levels of government represent a kinetic force of society. However, there is also a vast reserve of potential energy within the population at large. When that energy is expended near of at the end of a deliberative process, many prior, small decisions have predetermined a probable action. If such energy is used near the beginning of a decision-making process to direct and shape the final outcome, it can be much more effective.
Cities and governmental organizations are similar in many respects. In order to function as efficiently as possible, tasks are delegated to small groups that bear responsibility for discovery and recommendations. It is here that any resident can be effective and convert their personal potential energy to kinetic action. Want to know how to do it? Look at your city’s General Plan or talk to a councilmember, city clerk or other official and ask about the organizational structure. Find out how early can you enter the process. As an interested observer, you can be heard and make a difference.
You have the potential… be kinetic!
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