Register to Vote:  Rise Strong!

Municipal elections are taking place in many cities across the nation from New York to Philadelphia! This is a call to action as citizens and members of the collective — your vote is your voice, register to vote and make civic engagement part of your daily life. What quality of life issues do you care about? How is the local funding in your school district calculated?

Do you know what is the vision and mission of the Sheriff’s Office in your city? Who is running for the seat? Why is the candidate running?

What about City Council? How is your district represented? What issues is your district facing?

Mayor? Public Advocate? District Attorney?  How does the office affect your daily life as a member of the collective? As an individual?

It all starts with your registration to vote and taking the time to exercise such amazing privilege.

Perhaps, you might consider running? Take a moment and sit with yourself and firmly reflect on these questions. Elaborate on your answers. Tell your story.

Why are you running? What is your motivation and vision for the office you are seeking? Sit with yourself and articulate openly why are you seeking to become a public servant. Why this or that office? Are you ready to win? Do you have a clear message? Does it resonate with your district and or office you are seeking?

Have you enlisted your spouse/partner/family in the decision? Have you taken the time to talk and seek the support of your loyal friends?  Voters are also family members, spouses, partners and friends…your humanity comes across with voters.

Do you have a support system? What support do you have? What is your platform? Are you an insurgent? Where is your base? Do you need a base?

Have you emotionally, spiritually and financially done an assessment of where you are…what would it take?

Public service is a noble calling. It is about building and representing communities across the board. It is about transparency and advocacy. It is for the determined and courageous.

Few months ago, I ran into an amazing young man who runs a community development corporation in the city, I was so happy to see him. I told him how great he will be as an elected official! He firmly and politely said: “I am not corrupt enough to be elected.”

His utterance is unfortunately a common perception among many hard working and honest citizens. Not all politicians are corrupt, and not all seek office for self-gain. There are many amazing, truly committed community minded candidates who seek office to represent with honor, integrity and for the public good. More than ever, we need to work on common ground and work together to elect public servants who are willing to work with community members and stakeholders to build and govern with integrity.

Take a moment– consider the calling either as a candidate and/or a supporter.

You matter, your community and city matter.

Register and Vote.