Surely you have noticed - in town hall meetings, political candidate debates, and the like - invariably questions from the audience tend to center on, "What can you do for me" or 'how can you help ______ (fill in the blank)". This is all about getting government favors and is often confused with 'caring'. There is a term for this: 'rent seeking'.

America wasn't allways like this.

In 1831, French political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville was inspired to write about the broader workings of American society, including the uniquely American tendency toward volunteerism. In his seminal Democracy in America, he notes:

"In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded."

"...it is the absence of a sense of the state that has been the great hallmark of American political culture."  (Stephen Skowronek)
https://journals.openedition.org/ejas/1182#tocto1n3

"... up to the twentieth century, all American wars were fought by volunteer armies: The colonial wars, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War." (click here)

There are many examples. See History of Volunteerism in America

FeedAlbany.com is a timely example of what can be done in stressful pandemic circumstances.

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"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." JFK

If you want to lower power, cost and corruption in government... shrink it. Demand less of it. Expect more from yourself. Ask what you can do for your community. Libertarian minded people believe voluntary interactions rather than forced obedience are the basis of a healthy society. Action speaks louder than words. Libertarians can lead by example. Join existing volunteer groups in your community. Use resources like Go Fund Me or the Craigslist Volunteer category to find opportunities. Creating a libertarian version of such tools could be an effective way to introduce libertarian politics to people who want to make a difference.

Libertarian minded people can also start a group, business or organizaion if needed. If you recall, in NY Curtis Sliwa started the well known 'Guardian Angels'. (click here for more)

People who start or join volunteer organizations are actual real live libertarians no matter what they call themselves. These are people we libertarians can reach out to. These are folks we libertarians should recognize, and honor. Such organizations are opportunities for libertarians to participate and 'lead by example'. Such personal involvement creates good will and more community spirit.

Does your community want a library? Park clean up? Neigborhood Watch? Most drivers are familiar with Roadside Help Trucks. These are usually sponsored by private businesses and reflect a libertarian solution to a need.

Voluntary participants connect with other like minded people to solve some problem or meet some need without government overhead. Is this not the very meaning of self-reliance and personal responsibility over dependence and obedience?

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