i joined a few colleagues to serve on the hiring team this past week. We actually have quite a few positions to fill. A few retirements, a few folks moving onto new positions, and few contractors whose might have their term renewed.
We conducted interviews, read their resumes, and discussed the applicants for the positions to see who not only was the most qualified, but also whose integrity, energy, priorities, and skillsets would fit our ‘organizational culture’ the best at this time.
Did you participate in the hiring process? - Some people just call it an election.
But just like a hiring team in an office, the work really begins when the new hire’s assume their role. Ohio hired Dr. Amy Acton and David Pepper to serve as Governor and Lt. Governor, and many others to serve in other statewide and legislative seats in Columbus.
We hired people for a job…
We did not choose a new Lord to worship, we did not hire perfection, we hired people to do a job for the next two, four, or six years as executives, legislators, and judges.
In America, the founders came together with the notion that self governance is possible and a better way to do things as a society. On the best of days, elected leadership can be overwhelming and difficult. Great public leaders know that they do not know it all, and they seek to surround themselves with people with expertise and wisdom that they do not possess.
we are that expertise they need.
Faith and community leaders are experts on their neighborhoods, the needs of the people, the conditions of the schools and much more. Our stories are valuable!
Whether you are happy about who won their election on Tuesday or not, we have the opportunity to help all of them serve our communities better. Legislators need our stories, our expertise, and our perspectives to better serve our community.
Advocacy is about helping our elected officials do the best they can do.
Far too often, elections end and everyone kicks their feet up after months of voter registration and GOTV efforts. We all need our elected leaders to succeed at solving community problems. It is our civic duty and moral responsibility to help them to do so!
5 ways to get involved post-election.
Send a Congratulations Letter or email to your local state Representatives and Congressional Representative. Invite them over to your church or local library for a cup of coffee to help them build a relationship with your community. Ask to get on their email or mailing list. Ask what they hope to accomplish and how you can support their success.
Engage the difficult topics NOW: Yes, elections can be divisive but they will be less so when we can equip our faith communities to talk about hard things and learn how to engage in difficult conversations. Was there an issue particularly difficult or divisive in your community? Domestic violence? LGBTQIA+ community? Immigration? Consider holding space and time for honest dialogue and conversation.
Join an Advocacy Day! Come down to the Statehouse and join with others to advocate on issues you care about. We must be consistent and constant through letter writing, visits, protest and dialogue. The goal is to solve problems together. Our stories and expertise can help our lawmakers do that!
Prayer: Continue to include our elected leaders in your prayers so that they may have the wisdom to serve effectively and courage to work for those who go unheard.
Prepare for the next contentious election now: It is less controversial if you begin to incorporate civic responsibility and social justice into your congregational life when it is not a contentious election. Put up information about voter registration on the bulletin boards, include updates on civic issues like immigration, hunger, or housing in your monthly newsletter. This allows faith communities to help tell the world our values instead of allowing divisive politics to interpret our spiritual call to love and serve our neighbor.