“Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.”

– Saul Alinsky, “Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals”

I’m beginning this SGA Report with something a bit unusual: an apology. Recently, a few members of SGA have read my articles and mentioned that they came across as a bit negative – paying more attention to the faults of SGA rather than its merits.

I do apologize for this. It was never my intention to be a pessimist, and I don’t believe I am. I think, many times, people mistake conflicting opinions for disrespect. I have the utmost respect for Luke, Angela and everyone spending countless hours every week making SGA the great organization it is.

That being said, “great” does not mean “perfect.” And until every single member of our Gannon community is aware/focused/engaged with SGA, I believe that it is my duty – and the duty of those in SGA currently – to promote and adjust the organization as much as possible.

Building a new house doesn’t mean that your old home was “bad,” it just means you’ve outgrown it. The same is true for our political system. Times are changing and SGA must adapt insofar as students feel that they are being represented. Frankly, I don’t believe that’s happening right now – and, as evidenced by my SGA live tweets, neither do some of the representatives.

I don’t have all the answers. My plan was just an idea. However, I am advocating for a real and substantive discussion on the role of SGA moving forward. What is the organization going to do for us? Is SGA redefining itself as APB 2.0, or will it step up and take the mantle of pressing student issues?

And if you’re mad, upset, think I’m the worst person ever – tell me. If you think I’m on to something, tell me. Real discussion only comes when people communicate. I want to know when I’ve screwed up, and I’m assuming SGA would want to know the same. I’ll end this with one of my favorite quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”