Throughout lock-down, I was driven to get more involved. I hated what I was seeing, and I thought something better could come from things. I tried to volunteer with the national convention and with large advocacy organizations. At each turn I was met with the same response: a form letter thanking me for my interest and inviting me to help the cause by clicking this link to donate…

This was not what I wanted.

Looking to be involved does not mean looking to give money. I realize that money drives much of our politics, but money is also one of the worst flaws with our system. Money doesn’t build community. Money doesn’t create a sense of “I did something.” At the time, I was desperately looking for some sense of fulfillment

This isn’t an article for bitching about the evils of money and the need to repeal Citizens United (we do!), though. Rather, this is about how my sociology studies explained what was going on.