I emphasize self-esteem, self-confidence, and dignity, not as an ideal, but as a real test of community organization. Without leadership development, community organizations do not have staying power.

• The only way to change is to vote. People are responsible.
• Sometimes, the only realists are the dreamers.
• Our politics are our deepest form of expression: they mirror our past experiences and reflect our dreams and aspirations for the future.
• Education and democracy have the same goal: the fullest possible development of human capabilities.
• What makes community organizing especially attractive is the faith it places in the ability of the poor to make decisions for themselves.
• Our politics are our deepest form of expression: they mirror our past experiences and reflect our dreams and aspirations for the future.
• I think the future also will not belong to those who are cynical or those who stand on the sidelines.
• The future will belong to those who have passion and are willing to work hard to make our country better.
• When too many Americans don't vote or participate, some see apathy and despair. I see disappointment and even outrage. And I believe that out of this frustration can come hope and action.
• Politics is not predictions and politics is not observations. Politics is what we do. Politics is what we do, politics is what we create, by what we work for, by what we hope for and what we dare to imagine.