“Decisions are made by those who show up.” — Aaron Sorkin
I loved the television show “West Wing.” I thought it was so brilliantly written. The dialogue was witty, smart, and thought-provoking. The stories were memorable. Up until then, I had never really paid much attention to politics or even voted regularly. And I’m ashamed to say I didn’t really pay much attention even after I started watching West Wing. As interesting and compelling as I thought the stories were, there was still a disconnect for me regarding how those stories affected my life or the lives of people I know.
Then I started working for LSS. I saw every day how government policy and funding affect people in need. I met hard-working grandparents trying to feed their grandkids on SNAP benefits that ran out way before the month ended. I talked to domestic violence victims who were forced to appear before a judge when requesting a protection order from their abuser with their abuser in the same room. I heard stories of domestic violence victims who were murdered by their abusers when they got out of prison on bail for beating them up. I met women and men who worked two or three jobs but couldn’t find affordable housing, nor did they qualify for housing vouchers. So many neighbors who were going through difficult circumstances and trying really hard to make their lives better. They weren’t asking for handouts but hoping for our leaders’ support. And more often than not, our leaders were not there to help.
Today, I participated in the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio’s annual grant reading day. More than 200 people got together to review and score 65 grant applications for programs addressing the needs of women and girls in Central Ohio. The grants would fund education and leadership programs for girls, give more access to services for immigrant women and girls, and treatment programs for women with substance abuse and mental health issues. More than $1 million was requested. The need is so great in our community. This need is not being met by our leaders.
Many of our leaders seemed to be more interested in helping themselves than the people they promised to represent. And that includes me. I may not need them in the way that LSS clients need them, but their decisions still affected my life. And I didn’t like the decisions many of our leaders were making. Nor did I like the divisions our leaders were drawing just to get their way. Why are we letting our leaders spew hate, mistrust, lies, and misconceptions, all in the name of democracy?
So, I’ve become an advocate for people in need in my community and in my country. And I’ve become an advocate for my own rights and my own voice. I can’t complain about the current state of our country and who is leading it if I don’t participate in the democratic process. It is a privilege that many people don’t have. Heck, it’s only been 100 years since women were given the ability to vote here in America. That is really not a lot of time when you think about it. I am not about to squander it any longer. I’m ashamed that I did for so long.
So, I hope that everyone I know votes this Tuesday. I’ve already sent in my absentee vote and got notification that it has been received. It’s so important that we hold our leaders responsible for their promises and the needs of our neighbors. I’ve seen up close how much it matters to people in need. Actual lives depend on it.
