Doing Your Part
A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good.
A government is invigorated when each one of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.
In this election year, we must define the common good and begin again to shape a common future. Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us are going to suffer. For the American ideal, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each of us.
The above words were spoken by Barbara Jordan during her keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 1976. What was true then is equally true in 2008.
In six days, we get another opportunity to participate in American democracy. We have a “do over” in terms of charting a new course for our country and for ourselves.
Through my consulting practice, I encourage nonprofit organizations to recognize the importance of participating actively in our democracy and to exercise that power in a variety of ways. Large or small – national or local, all charities, associations and foundations can make a difference – in people’s lives, in the communities in which we live and, in our country and our world. The power that we hold can be unleashed through advocacy, lobbying and mobilizing supporters. I believe that the nonprofit sector also has an obligation to reach out to the public to encourage their active participation in our government – starting with voting.
For the next six days I encourage everyone to do what you can to “get out the vote.” Talk to family, friends and neighbors. Encourage employers to be generous with voting leave time. The message – do not be dissuaded by long lines, bad weather or doubts about the value of your vote. Your vote does matter – to you, to your candidates and to your country.
