Why won’t someone do something? Why won’t someone do something about poverty, racism, social injustice, unemployment, illiteracy, sexism, violence, crime, etc.? 

Why am I never chosen? Why don’t people like me? Why am I not getting promoted, recognized for my good deeds, efforts? Why do people treat me so badly? Why do I never seem to have enough? 

The aforementioned are common questions that have plagued each of us at some point in our lives. I know that I have asked several of these questions personally more times than I care to recall.  There is an old song that some who are familiar with gospel music would recognize…”It’s me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” Or how about the more secular lyrics, “If you look into your heart…With a positive mind…Take self inventory of your woman and your glory…” These songs or lyrics have specifically enpowered me to seek many of my answers by taking self inventory of my life. Not yours, my parents, my friends, my ancestors, co-workers, or whomever else. It’s always me. 

Yes, we need help in our lives to help us along the way; whether it be academically, personally, professionally or otherwise. No successful person is without debt to someone. And people are inclined to help those who first demonstrate and willingness to succeed and help themselves. 

Some people want to walk around working strictly 9-5…not a second longer but want to know why others do not recognize his or her value. How?! On what occasion would these people gain the necessary exposure to recognize above and beyond contributions versus “just doing one’s job”? I am not suggesting that working overtime is commensurate with quality because it unfortunately is not. It is a fact that there are people who will ride a clock like a bike without contributing an ounce of quality or significant value to the business and/team. 

If you want a promotion, does anyone else know this beyond your Mom and best friend? How would your boss be able to detect in a meaningful way that you are ready for the next level? Most people’s telepathy game is under-developed; people know what you both tell and show them. Often times, the decision makers are being inundated by the accomplishments of the doers anyway. You have to set yourself a part from everyone else in a constructive and professional way.  

It is okay if you are not quite ready or are uncertain about the next steps or do not as feel confident in your next move.  Just know that now is as good a time as any to get ready. Prepare by taking the initiative and start learning what you don’t already know. Become a sponge; ask questions, ask to sit in on meetings to scribe or just to observe so that you become familiar with what the issues the decision makers face. So that you become familiar with the vernacular, code of business and learn the unspoken rules.  If you are serious, figure out a way to offer tangible, actionable suggestions or services to help address key concerns if you are prepared to do so. 

Maybe your present issue(s) are not professional; maybe it is community and social justice concerns. Yes we are in the heart of an presidential election year and like you, I have issues that are near and dear to my heart. However, I do not live in D.C. or the D.C. area, therefore to expect these candidates to have intimate knowledge  about the local issues in my community is a little far-fetche and dare I say somewhat unreasonable. There are 50 whole States, after all.   

My local issues or yours are not by any means less imperative or important; I can appreciate however, that my local issues may take a back seat to the on-going Flint, Michigan water disgrace as an example. Or the police brutality and social injustices happening in cities across the country. What about our international relations? So that being said, as I prepare to vote, how about I also hold to task the elected officials ALREADY in place, to address my municipal, borough and State issues? Right now. Some of these issues cannot wait until January 2017.  

I feel that as a society, we must learn to follow the proverbial chain of command. There are times when it becomes necessary to go over the heads of those who are in position and are inept or ineffective in his or her role.  Until such time that this proven, we need to help everyone to do their jobs by requiring them to do so. It is a bit obtuse to expect the President to care more about issues that say my mayor, governor or State Senator have gotten away with ignoring. Make sense? 

I personally believe in one savior. My Savior is not running for any office. And yet there is still me who is accountable for her choices, decisions and indecision. I need someone to save me. I need someone to fix what I and man cannot.  So when I go to the polls to vote, I am acutely aware that I am voting for an infallible mortal who is no savior of man, woman or child.  This is a person having  far more courage and desire to be responsible for the commonwealth than I. I take my hat off to him or her for signing up for a career in public service.  

Yes, I need somebody too. It seems that in these very precarious and perilous times that we all do.