Adult and community educators have always seen themselves as agents of change, building people's confidence, sense of community and ability to take part in society as well as their knowledge and skills. All the main political parties in the UK have put issues of social justice, social mobility and citizens' empowerment near the top of the policy agenda. The Conservative's notion of a "Big Society" proclaims a radical vision for "redistributing power from the state to society; from the centre to local communities, giving people the opportunity to take more control over their lives". In this article, the author argues that it is easy to be cynical about a vision shrouded in massive spending cuts and tax rises, but adult and community educators should seize the opportunity to help people develop the abilities, confidence, ideas and mutual support to take power. The challenge for adult and community educators is to help local people become politically smart enough to get the services they want.