Sagebrush Sally: Change Starts Small, and So Does Resistance

Aug 1, 2025

—

Dear Sagebrush Sally,

I care about this town and want to get more involved—volunteer, help organize events, maybe even join a local board. But every time I dip a toe in, I run into drama, power struggles, or folks who’ve been doing things the same way “forever” and don’t want to hear new ideas.

I’m not trying to take over—I just want to help. But it feels like stepping into quicksand with a smile. How do you contribute to a small town without getting caught in the crossfire?

— Trying, Not Taking Over

Dear Trying, Not Taking Over,

Ah, yes—small-town volunteerism: where enthusiasm meets entrenchment, and a simple offer to help can feel like you’ve wandered into a family feud you didn’t know you were related to. Bless you for wanting to give back, and double bless you for not giving up after your first skirmish with the sacred “we’ve always done it this way” crowd.

Here’s the thing—your instincts are good. This town, like any other, needs fresh hands, new energy, and people willing to step in with open hearts and steady feet. But small towns are like old pickup trucks: loyal, functional, and full of character—but they don’t take kindly to sudden upgrades without a little time and trust.

When you show up with ideas, remember that for some folks, those “same old ways” aren’t just habits—they’re hard-won routines, patched together with years of effort, pride, and maybe a few buried grudges. So start by listening. Ask questions. Lend a hand before offering a plan. And when it’s time to suggest something new, wrap it in respect for what’s already there. Change comes easier when it feels like evolution, not a takeover.

Now, if the old guard slams the gate in your face? Don’t take it personally—but don’t give up, either. Start something new with like-minded folks. Find your niche. Show your work. Over time, even the most stubborn parts of town tend to soften when they see your efforts aren’t about ego—they’re about care.

And one more thing: avoid the drama where you can. You don’t need to attend every fire you’re invited to. Let your actions speak louder than the static. The folks who matter will notice.

You’re not alone. Many of us have tried to help and found ourselves politely—or not so politely—pushed aside. But that doesn’t mean the effort wasn’t worth it. In Tecopa, showing up with love and persistence is half the battle. The rest is just staying power.

— Sagebrush Sally

Do you have a question for Sagebrush Sally? All you have to do is ask.(Required)

Name

First Last

Not required if you would like to remain anonymous.

Enter Email Confirm Email

Only necessary if you would like us to follow up with you.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Desert Life Volunteering

Comment Moderation Policy

Comments

One response to “Sagebrush Sally: Change Starts Small, and So Does Resistance”

Robin Flinchum

August 14, 2025

If indeed this was written by a real person, I’d like to acknowledge to that person that yes, the old guard can seem entrenched and, no, it’s not very helpful. But that’s all the more reason to be persistent if you really want to help. I’ve been volunteering in this town for 18 years. If you’re a real person, I suspect it’s me you are talking about and I do apologize if you didn’t feel heard. The organization I work with very much needs the help. However, if you came to one or two meetings, gave your ideas and never came back, I’m going to suggest that the organization also didn’t get heard.

I would ask you please, before you assume that no one wants to hear new ideas, to learn whether your idea has been tried before with poor results and perhaps the other volunteers are wary of trying it again. And if you believe strongly that your idea could work, fight for it. Please.

Ideally we are all as kind and supportive to one another as we can possibly be. If I have ever been unkind to you, I sincerely apologize. The only excuse I have is that I am weary. I’ve been doing this a long time and the truth is I am somewhat entrenched because whatever it is, I’ve probably been there and done that. I am, however, aware that doesn’t mean it couldn’t work with new ideas and new energy and I am very open to that, but I am also cautious. I can’t afford to waste my energy chasing geese I already know to be wild, so if I didn’t jump at your idea, consider there might be a reason. If you think I’m wrong, or whoever you talked with is wrong, persist.

This work isn’t about me and it isn’t about you, it’s about building a better community. I didn’t get this far by going home because no one listened to my ideas and you shouldn’t either. And the truth is, you can’t volunteer in this town without getting caught in the crossfire, such as it is. This is a tiny town, anything you do that affects other people is up for discussion and criticism, especially if you volunteer with a publicly funded organization. And board members don’t always get along. Sometimes you just have to be willing to stand your ground when other people don’t like it because you believe you are doing the right thing.

And if you don’t like how an organization you are interested in is doing things, tell us why. Come to a board meeting and explain, come to me personally, or to whoever didn’t listen to you the first time, and have a talk. If I, or whoever, tell you it’s been done before, tell us why it could work this time. This town and its very few organizations desperately need new blood and if you live here you know this is not a dainty, delicate place. I think of myself as a pretty open minded and friendly person, but I get tired. I may not have the energy to hold your hand. I may need you to hold my hand, if it comes to that. What the organizations need is not some polite chastisement for their bad ways in this online forum, but someone willing to put the work in and fight for change, even when it’s uphill going.

If you have approached me or an organization I am a part of and felt rebuffed, I invite you to contact me personally and tell me about it. I’m actually good at rethinking things but I don’t always know I need to unless someone points it out to me.

For me, personally, I am growing weary and it’s getting harder every day. I’ve fought for our fire department for 18 years and lately everyone and their brother seems determined to tear it apart. I understand that’s the world we live in now, people need someone to be mad at and I personally and the board I am on are not perfect by any means. It’s easy to throw shade, what’s so much harder is to step up and persist, keep showing up, keep fighting for your ideas. The work is the work and I keep showing up despite the ongoing criticism we get from members of the community for everything from throwing a successful fundraiser to recruiting a new volunteer. This work, these days, is not for the faint of heart. Maybe I’m the problem, I don’t know. I hope not, but how would I know if someone doesn’t tell me directly instead of writing anonymous emails to an advice column?

Reply

Sagebrush Sally: Change Starts Small, and So Does Resistance

Comments

One response to “Sagebrush Sally: Change Starts Small, and So Does Resistance”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply