By Duol Peter Lam,
July 12, 2023(Nyamilepedia) — Politics and community policies have a profound impact on society, shaping the way people live, work, and interact. However, the intertwining of politics with community policies can often lead to division, polarization, and hinder the overall progress of a community. In this article, we will explore the importance of separating politics from community policies, and how doing so can foster harmony, inclusivity, and effective governance.
- Understanding the Difference:
It is crucial to differentiate between politics and community policies. Politics refers to the activities, actions, and strategies used to gain power, influence, and control over government or public affairs. On the other hand, community policies encompass the rules, regulations, and decisions made by a community to address common issues, ensure public welfare, and promote the well-being of its members.
- Avoiding Partisanship:
One of the main challenges in separating politics from community policies is avoiding partisanship. Partisanship occurs when individuals or groups prioritize their political beliefs and affiliations over the common good of the community. To overcome this, it is essential to emphasize collaboration, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making rather than focusing on political ideologies alone.
- Depoliticizing Policy-making:
To separate politics from community policies, it is crucial to depoliticize the policy-making process. This can be achieved by establishing independent, non-partisan bodies responsible for crafting and implementing community policies. These bodies should comprise experts from various fields who can objectively analyze data, assess the impact of policies, and ensure their alignment with the community’s needs and values.
- Encouraging Public Participation:
Involving the community in the policy-making process is key to reducing the influence of politics. By encouraging public participation through open consultations, town-hall meetings, and online platforms, individuals can voice their concerns, provide valuable insights, and contribute to the development of inclusive policies. This approach ensures that policies reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.
- Fostering Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency and accountability are essential in separating politics from community policies. The decision-making process should be transparent, allowing community members to understand how policies are formulated and implemented. Additionally, mechanisms for accountability should be established to hold policymakers responsible for their actions, ensuring that policies are driven by the community’s best interests rather than political motives.
- Educating and Engaging the Community:
To successfully separate politics from community policies, it is vital to educate and engage the community. By promoting civic education, individuals can develop a greater understanding of the importance of community policies and their impact on daily life. This knowledge empowers community members to actively participate in the policy-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Conclusion:
Separating politics from community policies is a fundamental step towards building a harmonious and progressive society. By avoiding partisanship, depoliticizing policy-making, encouraging public participation, fostering transparency and accountability, and educating the community, we can ensure that policies are driven by the collective well-being rather than political agendas. Through this approach, communities can thrive, promoting inclusivity, social cohesion, and effective governance for the benefit of all.
Duol Peter Lam is the CEO and Founder of newly founded humanitarian organisation Society’s Keeper (SOKE), activist, and Chairman of Nuer Students Union in Egyptian universities and higher institutes . He can be reached via email at duolpeter100@gmail.com.
