Under the circumstances... I feel a need to write this Blog in an "informal" style. Unfortunately, too many professional politicians, lawyers, and others have made the understanding of politics and public policy too confusing and complex for most people when, in reality, it's all very simple.

Let us first review the definition of "Public Policy":
1. the fundamental policy on which laws rest, especially policy not yet enunciated in specific rules.
2. the principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for setting aside, or denying effect to, acts or transactions.

So, why then, are numerous acts, laws and resolutions that affect so many residents introduced, discussed and passed that are disliked by so many residents? And, when thinking of the comments that are said by many of those residents referring to the actions of legislators, it seems that there is a misunderstanding of the role and status of elected officials. Thus, there becomes a need to help people to remember that other human beings are not elected to "govern" us; they are elected to "represent" us.

As a Public Policy Associate, I recognize the need to remind my audience of this prior to most of the presentations I may make to them. Otherwise, if I did not, as I encourage the members of the audience to contact the elected officials of their districts and express their concerns and/or positions, there would become a silence and a look of hopelessness throughout the room. People have come to believe that they are at the mercy of their elected officials. Many seem to have forgotten (or, were never taught) that it was the desire of the majority of the constituency that caused representative to vote to change laws that gave all adults equal voting rights and fair wages for labors rendered regardless of race or gender - thus, the Equal Rights Amendment and Child Labor Laws.

As a Public Policy Associate, I deliver messages to elected officials from those whom they represent who are too busy doing other duties to earn wages to support themselves and their families. I relate to the elected officials that as more and more of their constituents are becoming less and less able to manage their income-to-expense ratio that they are asking for passages of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act and the Savings for Working Families Act.

As a Public Policy Associate, I try to remind constituents and legislators that it is not the duty of elected officials to "speak for the people"... they are chosen to speak "on behalf of the people." It's an ongoing task that starts all over again with the start of every New Year. And, I love public relations and I love challenges so... I must REALLY love my work as a Public Policy Associate.

Become a UWSEM advocate!

Ronald Stewart,
Public Policy Associate
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Labels: advocate, civic engagement, Employee Voices