Must love people

In the last year, I have been more involved in politics than I ever have in my life. I have always voted but between interning, and volunteering for local campaigns, I have gotten to know many of the elected officials and those who want to be elected officials. There is one key conclusion that I think is important for all elected officials, you must love people!

Its about the people who came before us

Its about those visionaries, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman etc…….. Being inspired by these people is a must. They were all ahead of their time. It may not be these famous visionaries but the local visionaries in your community. Determine their intentions and aspire to reach that vision and beyond.

Its about the People who are here and now

As an elected or hope to be elected official, it is about those people you are there too serve. Its not about corporations or the small businesses or other organizations its really about the individuals regardless of who they are.(this is not to say that those organizations have a place but they are made up by those very people). One of the things I saw some politicians(or other leaders) do was only cater to those who they think are more important. Everyone is important. This does not mean you need to say yes to every request or agree with every view, it just means you genuinely consider each individual’s perspective. The problem that many politicians face is those people who are frustrated or angry are quite honestly hard to hear what they are really saying. If you choose to run and serve, you need to make an effort to determine what are your constituents really trying to say? The policies and decisions you make will be better for it.

On a more practical every day practice is to meet and say hello to as many of your constituents as you can. Yes your schedule is booked so when you see a constituent in your office, in the elevator pause 2 seconds to say hello and shake their hand! Acknowledge the people that make your office and building safe, clean and welcoming. A simple ‘good morning’ and smile goes a along way! (it will make you feel better too!)

All these things you need to do from the bottom of your heart. People will begin to see right through you if you are not genuine.

As a political leader, saying your door is always open is not enough, you must make that effort to step out that ‘door’ and meet people where they are!

Finally acknowledge the volunteers and the interns. I am a Democrat and I am proud of what the Democrats are standing for. I do not agree 100% but I am happy with my party and love my political leaders. That said, my favorite political leaders are the ones who made an extra point of acknowledging and thanking the interns and volunteers. It means alot!

Its about the People of the Future

This means acknowledging and hearing out the future voters and leaders. If they disagree with you figure out why, ask them thoughtful questions never say “well when you are my age you will understand” (really this came out of a politicians mouth!). Your answer(after understanding their perspective) should be “Thank you for speaking up, I hear your perspective and I understand why you may feel that way, but this is why I feel differently ……….” If it is a new issue or something new about an old issue, tell them ‘I never thought about it in those terms, I will definitely look at more closely, let me get your contact info before I leave so Ican follow up with you’

MUST LOVE PEOPLE

If the you feel doing the simple things I suggested above is too much of a chore, then figure out if being an elected official is really what you want to do. If you find that you do not ‘love people’ , being a politician may not be the path for you. You may love solving policy problems and are really committed to making a difference in your community. That is awesome and the political leaders who do love people need you.

Of course Peace Corps…..

This realization reinforces my belief that more Returned Peace Corps Volunteers should run for political office. By simply joining the Peace Corps showed that they had to ‘love people’ in order to be successful in their service. Their service helped develop a strong appreciation for everyone regardless of who they are. Due to their commitment to service, their level of self awareness may be more profound making them more effective political leaders.

This belief to be successful as a political leader you must love people may be what makes RPCVs stand out when they run for office.