In this episode of Humble Renegades, Bookie and Kesha tackle a topic that often makes people uncomfortable but is absolutely necessary for sustainable community impact: politics and policy.

This is not about partisan debates. It is about understanding systems.

Bookie breaks down the difference between politics and policy through the lens of the Seven Ps of community engagement. Politics is about relationships, influence, and who has access to power. Policy is about written rules, structure, and what lasts beyond leadership changes.

If you care about community development, equity, business growth, or lasting impact, you cannot ignore either one.

Because relationships may open the door.
But policy determines what happens next.

Through real examples from Baseball Beyond Borders, transportation logistics, and the King County recess mandate, this conversation moves from theory to lived experience. It challenges servant leaders to stop reacting and start thinking strategically.

What You’ll Hear

• The difference between politics and policy
• Why systems are not optional, even for believers
• How relationships create opportunity
• Why written structure creates sustainability
• A real case study on advocating for mandatory recess
• Why short-term wins mean nothing without long-term policy change
• How to move from emotional reaction to strategic leadership

Key Distinctions

Politics

• Relationships
• Advocacy
• Influence
• Access
• Who gets heard

Policy

• Written rules
• Structure
• Procedures
• Sustainability
• What remains when leadership changes

Lessons From the Field

• Success requires engagement with both people and systems.
• Advocacy influences policy development.
• Policy locks in progress or reinforces barriers.
• Sustainable change requires courage and patience.

Power Statements From This Episode

• “Relationships often create opportunity. Policy determines what happens next.”
• “Politics shape the moment. Policy shapes the future.”
• “Your work deserves both your voice and its structure.”

Reflection Questions

• Who influences the decisions that affect my work?
• What policies currently shape how I operate?
• Where do I need stronger relationships?
• Where do I need clearer structure?

Why This Matters

Community development does not happen outside of systems. It happens inside them.

If you only build relationships, you may win the moment.
If you only focus on policy, you may lack access.

But when you understand both, you move from reaction to strategy.
And strategy builds legacy.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode.