Attitudes - Most people who are politically engaged, who are paying attention, feel a significant level of anger. This is true on both sides. Are you caught up in this? Do you feel yourself to be under the influence of reflexive hostility and suspicion? How about feeling superior? Do you find yourself thinking that "they" must be very stupid, or at least very gullible? Or, do you find yourself able to converse and even empathize with people on "the other side" without too much emotional difficulty? If you are feeling hostile or superior, you probably aren't the best candidate to talk across the divide. But, as noted elsewhere, attitudes can change. Self-understanding can yield a new attitude, and with this, you will be much more effective.

Preferences - Some people like talking in front of groups. Other people hate it. Some people enjoy the process of healing conflicts. Other people find it painful and unpleasant. Some people like going door-to-door, others really don't. In general, it isn't a very good idea to try to overrule your preferences and force yourself to do things that make you unhappy. Your likes and dislikes matter. Since hopefully yours is not a short-lived involvement, it should be enjoyable, even fun, at least some of the time. If it isn't, you'll likely not be able to sustain it for the long-term effort circumstances require.

Skills & Abilities - Are you articulate? Can you anticipate or spot quickly the types of arguments and controversies that are counterproductive? Are you good at avoiding such conflicts? Do you have a high level of "emotional self-control?" You should make a careful inventory of your skills and abilities as a communicator, as a facilitator of group processes, as a conciliator, among other roles. And, of course, whatever the level and type of your current strengths and weaknesses, skills and abilities are very amenable to significant improvement.

Roles - Consider the distinctive opportunities that go with particular roles you may play (building or remodeling contractor, public sector manager, business owner, corporate manager, teacher, nurse, doctor, lawyer, minister, therapist, retail store owner/manager, policeman, firefighter, active duty military, national guard reserve, journalist, writer, elected official, appointed public administrator, community or transportation planner, business planner, realtor, investment advisor, retirement planner, on and on). Each role presents particular opportunities. For example, doctors with elderly and respiratory compromised patients should advise those patients of the need to protect themselves in heat waves. Good care requires such advice. A doctor can choose to tell her patients the rest of the story, which is that people just like them are dying from worsening heat waves and declining air quality in larger numbers because of climate change.

Networks - Networks are just organizations or informal groups you are part of that overlap with other groups you are also part of. The result, if you graphed the person-to-person connections, would look like a network. Don't worry about the word itself, but instead consider how these interconnections offer opportunities for communication and constructive engagement. Finally, networks today are often a mix or hybrid of face-to-face and online social media interactions. If you use social media, consideration of how you could utilize this tool should also be a part of your self-assessment.

Reputation - Your reputation as an activist is vitally important to your effectiveness. If you have been an activist or community leader for some time, you likely have a well-established reputation. You may want to consider where that reputation will help you, and where it may need some attention or repair. If you are early in your journey as an activist or community leader, cultivate a reputation that will help you succeed. You want people say these sorts of things about you as an advocate: "Listens to everybody. A straight shooter. No hidden agendas. Honest. Fair-minded. Practical. Makes things happen. Calm in a crisis. Balanced, doesn't lose perspective." If that's how people see you, they are likely to view you with respect. You are always either building or diminishing your credibility as an advocate. The Golden Rule of Leadership suggests that you should ask what kind of person you would follow as a leader, and then strive to be that person.