CBC Foundation ALC ‘09
http://cbcfinc.org/

I recently heard President Barack Obama speak during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF-ALC), Sept. 23-27 in Washington DC. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to personally set eyes on the Commander in Chief, personally witness his vision for a new America, healthcare for all citizens and witness him and First Lady Michelle Obama in action!

The President was the main attraction for the Phoenix Awards gala, honoring distinguished service in the political arena, including an award to DC native, Rhodes Scholar and US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Susan Rice.

Founded in 1976, the CBCF has evolved to become Capitol Hill’s premier voice and powerhouse, multiethnic gathering for the politically aware who aim to improve life for underserved audiences.

What Obama said:

> Don’t believe the naysayers or be distracted by the “noise;”
> In 9 short months, there has been positive change and progress in America’s dire economic forecast;
> Affordable healthcare for all Americans is possible; and
> Obama Care can put America on a physically sound path to wellness.

It’s important we learn about these and other important issues affecting our communities. To learn more, visit --
http://healthreform.gov
http://whitehouse.gov

What we can do:

In a word, ACT!

Always work to advance the conversation and create a dialogue with neighbors, community leaders, clients, influentials or elected officials. Millynneum Insight has developed “ACT” a simple, 3-step process to guide your grassroots to global community engagement efforts. How can you or your community group take action?


> ACT: Advocate, Communicate, Tackle


1. Advocate: Serve as an advocate for important issues you believe in, including health care, wellness, safe neighborhoods, better schools, more money for higher education, etc.

a) We must participate in the 2010 “mid-term elections.” According to the CBCF, 20 seats in congress (various districts) could be lost if we don’t get our act together.

b) Make sure you and your neighbors take part in the Census. Do you realize that an accurate census count allocates dollars for health care? An inaccurate count could result in an emergency room near you being closed.


2. Communicate: Share what you know via conversations, word of mouth, face-to-face meetings and sit-downs.

a) If I attended the CBCF-ALC weekend, then it means I have to share the important messages with the CCNY students I teach, academic/business colleagues, family/friends and associates.

b) It sounds simple, but we must rev up the substance of our dialogue and have the discipline to be more effective and get the job done get the job done.

c) This can happen in the barbershop, at your house of worship, in the subway car or shopping mall.

d) We must use each and every opportunity to communicate key messages and make an impact via substantive conversations rather than trivial pursuits.


3. Tackle: Take the initiative to find solutions to difficult problems at home, in your community or on the job.

a) Don’t complain, roll up roll up your sleeves and get the job done. Don’t complain, just bite off one more hour of work. Everyone is overloaded and has limited time. Now is not the time to be lazy, we’re too close to the finish line and too many people throughout the country are counting on us, particularly those without jobs.

b) If you see an opportunity, create a business. Put your neighbors to work.

c) Expand dialogue between diverse audiences. Forge alliances outside your usual circles of impact and influence. Stretch, soar, and do more!

d) Tolerate setbacks and challenges that propel you to the next phase

e) Join Susan Taylor & Co. and participate in an organization like National Cares Mentoring Movement Network
http://caresmentoring.com


Personally seeing the President and First Lady was a moment my husband Roland and I will cherish for a lifetime. Make plans to attend next year’s CBCF-ALC or simply own your special part of the “Obama Era” by doing your part to make our collective national vision a reality.

The man certainly can’t do it alone. But with all our help, we can change America and we can get to the promised land!


Other CBCF-ALC conference highlights:

Midterm Elections

During a rousing panel titled “From Lincoln to Obama” featuring Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), elected officials pondered where we’ve come and where we must go in order for real change to be woven into the tapestry of American society.

All agreed that it’s critical Americans work together to get out the vote on the local, state and national level this fall and in 2010.

Through the 2008 Presidential Election, there was an electric rallying cry via Candidate Obama, a national “call to action.” Change was the watchword of the day. Now that he’s in office, all Democratic leaders encouraged everyone to do their part to stay motivated and keep the momentum strong.

That will take work, but we are up to the task.


Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leaders conference track featured strategies used by elected officials under the age of 35 to mobilize and engage all audiences. Know this: Dynamic young people of all races hold a wide range of positions on the local, state and federal level.

It’s a beautiful, humbling and inspiring thing to see!

One panelist mentioned that she was complaining about something in her community, and her mentor encouraged her to run for office. The young woman ran and she won! Now she is charged with implementing policy that can have a positive outcome for her neighbors.

Do something, but don’t disengage. Add to the mix and fix things if you don’t like what’s going on in society.


Tribute to Ed Kennedy

We’ve come tremendously far, but until all Americans are able to partake in the prosperity afforded to some, then we must still continue to march forward. This message was emphasized in a stirring CBCF tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), a champion of issues affecting the downtrodden.

Reconnecting with Old Friends and Making New Alliances

The event was a great way to reconnect with mentors, colleagues and protégés from my 30 years in the media, communications and education business. I felt a sense of pride to just be in the Washington Convention Center and have the opportunity to soak it all in.

Former Howard University classmates are attorneys, lobbyists, activists and business leaders. CCNY Alum Maquita Poole was among the busloads who attended with the staffs of Rep. Yvette Clark (D-NY).

I usually attend events like this in proud support and service to clients, working to get their messages across to constituent audiences. In this case, I was present on behalf of my company, Millynneum, in dedicated service to my entire client roster as we develop new programs in service to diverse audiences.