Their lives are burdened with long hours and stultifying environments. Informal discussions, study groups, leadership training programs, publications, and grassroots classes are part of the education system that Unity members have used in their grassroots organizing work. Struggles continually generate new leadership, who are differentiated primarily by their consciousness. New leadership newly develops an insight on principles of social justice, an understanding of the workings of society, and a commitment to the grassroots. Those leaders who come directly from the community or workplace are usually better able to understand the population, and communicate ideas to them.
Organizers look at themselves as outside and temporary to the communities.
Indigenous leadership and a long-term vision is expected to rise spontaneously from immediate issues. Because consciousness and the real life conditions for grassroots leadership are ignored, these methods are essentially idealistic and rely on methodology. The need for grassroots organizing is ongoing as the need to realize collective strength and democracy is ongoing. In applying our lessons above, however, Unity Boston sees that the tactics of organizing must vary according to the changing conditions. The conservative tide has been rising since the late 70's, and it appears to be the dominant trend for the foreseeable future.