Soft Power, Build with Your Voice

For those who feel don’t feel comfortable sitting by and watching people get hurt, there are some very practical things you can do today to impact things from the ground up. This is how the people in power built their networks, and they work hard to ensure that we are all fighting.

Soft power is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. It relies on cultural influence, values, relationships, and credibility rather than economic or military pressure. The term was coined by political scientist Joseph Nye.

How to Use Soft Power to Make Change in Your Community:

Build Relationships & Networks – Connect with community leaders, organizations, and local influencers to establish trust and credibility.
Leverage Communication & Storytelling – Share compelling narratives that resonate with people’s values, experiences, and emotions to inspire action.
Promote Cultural & Social Influence – Use art, media, and community events to shift perspectives and highlight key issues.
Educate & Inform – Host workshops, discussions, or social media campaigns to spread awareness and influence opinions.
Lead by Example – Embody the change you want to see; credibility and authenticity attract supporters.
Use Advocacy & Diplomacy – Work with policymakers, businesses, and institutions to promote initiatives without confrontation.
Encourage Collective Action – Mobilize volunteers, create partnerships, and engage diverse groups to amplify your message.

Soft power is especially effective in movements related to social justice, community development, and policy change. By consistently applying these strategies, you can shape perspectives, influence decision-makers, and create meaningful, lasting change.

So, what could this look like for a person in Hennepin County?

In Hennepin County, soft power can be leveraged through strategic engagement in various forums, organizations, and initiatives that shape local policies, community development, and social change. Here’s how it could look:

Best Forums & Platforms to Use Soft Power in Hennepin County:

Community Advisory Councils & Boards
- City/County Advisory Committees (e.g., housing, public safety, employment) – Engaging in public meetings can help shape long-term decisions.
Public Meetings & Forums
- Hennepin County Board of Commissioners Meetings – These meetings allow public testimony and provide a direct line to decision-makers.
- Minneapolis City Council & Subcommittees – Advocating for policies affecting housing, employment, and justice reform.
- Community Town Halls – Hosted by elected officials, they offer a chance to share personal narratives and influence public sentiment.
Nonprofits & Advocacy Groups
- Minneapolis Foundation – Works on racial equity, economic inclusion, and community well-being.
- Voices for Racial Justice – Focuses on systemic change through advocacy.
- Align Minneapolis – Addresses homelessness and housing disparities.
Local Media & Storytelling
- Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) & Star Tribune – Writing op-eds or participating in interviews can amplify your message.
- Community Newspapers (e.g., Spokesman-Recorder, Southwest Journal) – A great way to reach local, engaged residents.
- Social Media & Online Groups (Nextdoor, Facebook, LinkedIn) – Engaging in discussions, sharing insights, and advocating for change.
Educational & Business Networks
- University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs – Policy discussions and thought leadership opportunities.
- Twin Cities Diversity & Inclusion Roundtables – Connects professionals working on workplace equity and leadership.
- Chambers of Commerce (Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park) – Engaging businesses in equitable employment practices.
Grassroots Organizing & Cultural Influence
- Hosting Community Conversations – Facilitating discussions around racial disparities, employment equity, and AI’s impact on work.
- Leveraging Art & Culture (Juxtaposition Arts, Pangea World Theater) – Using storytelling, art, and performance to shift perspectives.

Example Impact in Hennepin County

Employment Committee: Using storytelling and data to persuade businesses to adopt skill-based hiring instead of rigid role-based hiring.
Juvenile Justice Committee: Advocating for diversion programs by sharing success stories of youth who benefited from alternatives to incarceration.
Housing Committee: Partnering with media to highlight personal stories of housing instability and advocating for policy changes.