Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Sheila Shockey, founder, CEO, futurist, Shock Talk Podcast host at Shockey Consulting, and artist/gallery owner at 80 Santa Fe in Downtown Overland Park, Kansas. Follow Sheila on LinkedIn, and on Instagram here, and here.
What I’m watching: Celebrity Apprentice – Presidential Cabinet Remix – Oh, I mean the news.
What I’m listening to: “Holiday in Cambodia” – Dead Kennedys
What I’m working on: An Elected Official’s Masterclass to build leadership and consensus building skills
In a moment of peak professional irony, this local government consultant is writing to you recommending Abbie Hoffman’s “Steal This Book,” perhaps the most honestly titled book in publishing history. I know it might seem like an unusual choice for local government officials, and an unusual time following the presidential election, but stick with me.
Who is Hoffman?
If you’re too young to remember (lucky you), Hoffman was that wild-haired rabble-rouser from the ’60s and ’70s who drove the establishment crazy. I remember him when I was growing up as a radical hippy who got eye rolls from the adults around me. I was always intrigued by his book, “Steal This Book,” a toolkit for survival, rebellion, and challenging the status quo. You might’ve caught a glimpse of him in Forrest Gump – he’s the guy in the American flag shirt during the Vietnam protest scene who hands Forrest the mic. Classic moment. As a child of the ’60s and ’70s, the film captures his radical activism, rebellious spirit, and commitment to giving ordinary people a voice, including the extraordinary Gump. He was the poster boy of the era’s anti-war and social justice movements.
Here’s the thing – while I’m not suggesting we all become anarchists, Hoffman’s radical playbook has some surprisingly relevant lessons. His bold approach to problem-solving and resourcefulness offers striking parallels to today’s local government challenges. Think of this as a creative lens for tackling modern municipal problems— not stealing bread trucks, but certainly rethinking how we approach systems that feel stuck or inaccessible.
Are you still with me? This 1970s counterculture classic reads today like a humorous time capsule. Yet, its examination of institutional power and community engagement feels startlingly relevant to our modern civic challenges.
Let me break it down:
“Take What You Need”: Rethink Public Resource Allocation
Hoffman’s advice on “liberating” food and shelter was aimed at individuals. Still, local governments can draw inspiration from the idea of re-imagining resources. This could mean reallocating underused public spaces or programs to meet urgent needs in today’s context. Remember that empty building downtown that’s been collecting cobwebs? Hoffman would say, put it to use! Turn it into a pop-up community space, a startup incubator, or maybe even an art gallery (full disclosure – this local government consultant moonlights as an artist and art gallery owner. Surprised?).
The broader point here is to view resources not as locked away in bureaucratic processes but as flexible tools to meet community needs. It’s about breaking free from the mindset that everything has to follow a rigid plan. Sometimes, getting unconventional—like allowing local artists to re-purpose vacant storefronts or turning parking lots into pop-up farmers markets—can lead to surprising successes.
“Disrupt the System”: Making Public Engagement Actually Fun
Hoffman was a master at drawing attention to causes, and his emphasis on disruption wasn’t about chaos for chaos’s sake, but engagement. Local governments can adopt this thinking by shaking how they connect with residents. Traditional public meetings sometimes cut it, especially when engaging younger or more diverse populations.
Why not take a cue from Hoffman’s playful tactics? Let’s engage back in public engagement and sprinkle in a little fun! Forget those mind-numbing public meetings with stale cookies and boards. Why not take the show on the road? Imagine hosting government meeting pop-ups in unexpected places, like coffee shops, skate parks, or even breweries. Use guerrilla-style outreach, like chalk art or street performers, to spark conversations about local projects.
People are more likely to engage with you when they feel surprised, intrigued, and invited into the process in a way that feels different from the usual civic procedures. These unconventional strategies can significantly enhance public engagement and foster a sense of community ownership. Host town halls at the local brewery, set up shop at the farmers market, or get wild and bring in some street artists to spark conversation.
“Build the Revolution Locally”: Empower Citizen-Led Solutions
Hoffman’s focus on grassroots organizing reminds us that top-down governance often misses the mark. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the ground up. Give folks the tools and watch them work magic—whether it’s community gardens, neighborhood art projects, or resident-led initiatives that actually solve real problems. We can solve problems more effectively by empowering residents to lead initiatives. This could mean granting micro-funds for neighborhood projects, supporting cooperative business models, or inviting community members to co-design policies. The key is to empower citizens and trust in their ability to drive positive change.
Take inspiration from Hoffman’s radical belief in the power of individuals. A local artist’s mural project can redefine how public art transforms neighborhoods. These ideas may seem small, but they’re scalable and build residents’ trust, ownership, and pride. (I promise that’s my last art reference).
“Subvert Expectations”: Questioning Those Dusty Old Rules
Finally, Hoffman teaches us to question the rules when they no longer serve us. When did you last update your zoning code – the Nixon administration? Sometimes, we need to flip the script and rethink the systems that no longer serve us. Local governments often operate within systems designed decades ago. When those systems fail, feel free to rewrite the playbook. Whether it’s embracing participatory budgeting, investing in renewable energy in unexpected ways, or rethinking zoning laws to promote affordable housing, the most impactful solutions often start with a willingness to challenge tradition.
“Steal This Book” isn’t about anarchy—well it kind of is, but it is also about resourcefulness, creativity, and refusing to accept things at face value. Rethink the rules and transform them into tools for community empowerment.
So, while I don’t recommend pilfering bread trucks, I suggest stealing some of Hoffman’s spirit. Think boldly, inspire others and get those anti-government folks turned around to be your supporters. Today’s challenges demand bold thinking; sometimes, the most unexpected ideas lead to the most lasting solutions.
Now, here’s a bit of irony for you – Hoffman’s anti-establishment manifesto initially hit shelves with a $9.95 price tag. The irony wasn’t lost on him; he claimed it was “priced to be stolen.” Just maybe buy your copy legally – I’m told that’s what we responsible public servants should do these days.
And yes, in case you were wondering, I stole my copy.
[And, between us? It was totally worth stealing.]