Why do we always look to the government to solve economic problems such as income inequality, economic prosperity, and other related issues? Why can’t these issues be addressed and solved at the grassroots level? Efforts are on the way to launch a large-scale, grassroots-led economic research initiative to address this very question and put forth new solutions and new thinking
We’ve been hearing a lot about income inequality lately, and this country is facing economic problems as the rich get richer and the poor continue to struggle. But what can we do about it? Do we need to reform our tax system? Pass laws to raise the minimum wage? Enact universal healthcare? Unfortunately, these solutions may not have the effect we hope for; in fact, the government may be part of the problem! Here’s how to solve income inequality at the grassroots level without involving politicians or big businesses.
As noted above, efforts are on the way to launch as a large-scale, grassroots-led economic research initiative to address this very question and put forth new solutions and new thinking. This is an outside-of-the-box and advanced solution. But, first, let’s look at some simple thinking and solutions that you and others can start doing today to address this income inequality issue at the grassroots level.
Simple Solution #1: Invest in Businesses
Some of today’s most successful companies started off as nothing more than an idea. Before they went on to be some of tech’s biggest successes, Facebook and Apple were just ideas in someone’s head. Imagine if you could have purchased stock in either of those companies when they started – if you had, your investment would now be worth millions.
The same thing can happen with a company with a unique value proposition or product – it just takes someone to think it up first. Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in finding solutions to income inequality, so why not invest in them? Rather than waiting for government agencies or nonprofits to fix things?
Sure, investing isn’t easy, but one way that you can start is by purchasing shares in promising startups. Startups don’t require large amounts of capital upfront because most entrepreneurs use their savings and credit cards instead. So while you might only have $50 to invest, even that tiny amount could go a long way toward building a portfolio of future stocks.
If you want to get started, check out equity crowdfunding sites like Crowdfunder, where anyone can purchase shares in select businesses. Think about it: When was the last time you thought about income inequality? Chances are, we’ve all been too busy trying to make ends meet ourselves…but what if our best hope at fixing income inequality came from the grassroots sector making simple, affordable investments monthly.
Simple Solution #2: Invest in Education
It’s easy to feel helpless regarding income inequality, and governments worldwide have failed us. Yet, we can invest in education and give everyone a chance at success and a higher standard of living.
For example, there are many ways you can help make that happen—even if you don’t have billions of dollars to spend on education reform. The first step is finding out where you want to contribute your time or money. From there, it’s up to you.
If you live in an affluent community like Silicon Valley and know how important investing in education is to create long-term growth opportunities for everyone, then maybe it would be worthwhile to meet with school administrators and teachers about how they could improve their curriculum, so it prepares students better for today’s economy. If all else fails, maybe meet with business owners in your community who will benefit from educated workers so they can advocate for improved schools too. No matter what decision you make regarding how best to tackle income inequality with grassroots efforts, remember: solving income inequality isn’t going to be solved overnight – but working together, we can solve them over time!
Simple Solution #3: Support Small Business
One way to reduce income inequality is by supporting small businesses owned and operated by your neighbors. The chart below tells you why this is important.
By patronizing a local business rather than a big-box store or fast-food chain, you help make sure your money goes straight into the hands of fellow community members—meaning more jobs (and more opportunities) for your neighbors, and higher incomes overall in your community. And remember, when it comes to shaping consumer spending habits…everyone has power!
As individuals, we spend trillions every year; what we buy sends signals about what we value as a society. So if every individual decides to put their money toward a local business instead of a large corporation? It can create real change. It all starts with you: go out and shop at your neighborhood farmer’s market today! Or grab lunch from a local restaurant down the street instead of McDonald’s tomorrow. Just imagine how much better things could be in your town once we start changing our consumer behaviors to support our communities? The first step is up to you.
Simple Solution #4: Speak Up About Inequality
If we want income inequality issues addressed, we need to start talking about them, just like our elected officials do amongst themselves. After all, the government is only effective if informed citizens make it so. So speak up!
Once an issue becomes public knowledge, then real change can happen. Take action by making more people aware of what issues matter most to you. And remember: Change doesn’t happen overnight, and those who demand equality are always better off serving others rather than seeking it out for themselves alone. After all, we’re social creatures, and when we work together toward common goals, everyone succeeds, including ourselves individually and collectively. Our time will come – but until then, a little patience goes a long way!
Simple Solution #5: Support Charities That Help Those At Risk of Falling Through the Cracks
Private organizations and community leaders can step in when a government fails to provide for its citizens. Rather than waiting for governments to rectify income inequality by increasing taxes or regulating wages (which is not a perfect solution), you can take matters into your own hands.
One way to do that is by donating money or volunteering time to organizations like food banks or homeless shelters. Such groups are often overlooked when trying to rectify income inequality, but they’re crucial for providing basic needs for those less fortunate. Your $5 donation and five hours of volunteering might be able to help someone stay off welfare or move out of a shelter and into their apartment. Every contribution counts.
Some people give back through philanthropy; others make financial donations; others donate time. Whatever option you choose, remember: sometimes we need to fill our community with as much love as possible so more people can thrive independently from government assistance programs. If you’d like to learn more about how some companies have used charity models, check out Bloomberg Philanthropies’ (https://www.bloomberg.org/) recent study on social impact initiatives across the globe. There are a lot of great examples there.
Advanced Solution #1: Support a New Grassroots Led Economic Research Initiative
The key quote here is “Mass Collaboration Changes Everything,” from Don Tapscott, author of Wikinomics. We are launching a large-scale, grassroots-led economic research campaign to explore how to use mass collaboration to improve the income and wealth-building ability of the masses. Here’s a snapshot of the benefits:
- Raise Millions Per Month in New Crowdfunded Capital —month after month after month: We innovate in the crowdfunding space and raise millions per month the crowdfunding capital;
- Fund Worker-Owned Collaborations: We use the crowdfunded capital to fund thousands of new worker-owned collaborations 100% owned by workers. This process starts online and then moves into the mainstream economy. Again, innovation in the crowdfunding space is critical. Traditional crowdfunding platforms and models are inadequate;
- Drive Paycheck to Paycheck Living Into Permanent Obsolescence: We continue to innovate in the crowdfunding space to ensure people can get funds to pay down bills, build up savings, and generally build a financial foundation leading away to paycheck to paycheck dependence. This is in preparation for working full-time in a worker-owned collaboration. This way, people can focus on earning ownership-based compensation and building wealth at work without worrying about hourly pay;
- Create Countless New Career Options for Career Professionals and Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Over time, as we build out this system, we will naturally create countless new career professional and entrepreneurial oriented positions for professionals from all walks of life and professional disciplines.
This will be done completely independent of any company, corporation, financial institution, or the government === 100% grassroots led. Learn more, join us, and benefit financially.
Leave a Reply