By Demetrius Moffett

 

Now that the votes have nearly been counted. It’s time for us to put in the work.

Casting our vote is not the end but the beginning. It’s time to hold our elected officials’ feet to the fire.

I believe that we may have this concept backward.

We don’t work or represent them. They work and represent us.

The concern is that once they have been elected, we back away, lose or lessen our involvement.

I’ve noticed as an elected official or a community, civic leader, people will research your contact information. Contact you out of the blue. Convey what their concern is, some might even have the audacity to tell you what you are going to do about their concern without their physical support. They would like for you to champion or lead their cause without their help.

A leader is less effective if no one follows them.

However, this arena called social injustice and community calamity is not a place for fans. It requires those who are willing to compete down on the field, not sit in the stands to cheer or criticize.

As I’ve heard it said, “If you are not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

It’s time out for us to remain reactive. We need to be more proactive.

Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

The best defense is a great offense as it keeps your opponent’s offense on the sidelines. We come crying in the last quarter about something we missed in the first quarter and expect for our leaders to throw hail marys. When the truth is, if we had gotten involved on the front end the game wouldn’t even be close.

Also, if we are not involved in the processes of what is going on. Our elected official can vote their own agendas and not what will necessarily support us. Just because we voted doesn’t mean they will speak our voice.

How many city council meetings have we attended when we weren’t upset about something? How many school board meetings have we attended when we weren’t mad at something? How many emails have we written to our state and federal representatives and senators to inquire how they voted on issues that impact our communities?

Yes, you cast your vote and for that, I say thank you. But whose voice is coming out of those seats?

 

Demetrius Moffett is Senior Pastor of Orange Church of God, 1911 North 16th Street in Orange.