There has been so much going on in our lives and our communities. Within the pages of the Telegram News, I try to encourage our readers to get involved in their communities. We do a good job at keeping you focused on an issue, but now we have to figure out a way to do many things at once. It starts with having a conversation and keeping the lines of communication open.

Here is my attempt to prioritize our efforts that will help our families improve. Since it is so much going on, I am suggesting that we begin to talk about the things that are on our mind. Family time is important add it into your weekly schedule.

1. HEALTH – You can’t help your family or community if you are not here. It is so simple to do your part. For the most part, we have made it through COVID-19. However, if you are feeling ill, wear a mask or face covering when you are going to be within six feet of others. If you live in a multi-generational home (with grandparents) take extra precautions to keep everyone safe.

Remember to wash your hands often and train your children and retrain young adults to wash their hands often. It will help reduce the spread of many diseases.

2. ELECTIONS – This year several School Districts and Municipalities will have an Election. Some will be in May (next month), some in August and many in November. Check with your city clerk to find out if there will be an election in your city. If there will be one, please check your voting status to make your registration is up to date. Then when it is time to vote, take the time to vote either with an Absent Voter Ballot or in person at your designated precinct. We must vote in every election. Go to http://www.michigan.gov and go to the Secretary of State link to see your ballot. The more time you spend reviewing your ballot, the less time you have to spend at your precinct.

3. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – It is always important that we continue to hold our elected officials accountable. Please attend your city council meetings. This is easier now that most meetings are being held Virtually; ZOOM, Conference Call, FaceBook or on Youtube. Spend a hour or so to learn what your city officials are saying/doing. Question – When is the last time that you spoke to you elected officials? Have they asked your opinion? Have you offered your opinion on any issue? Let your voice be heard. Visit your city’s website to get the information or contact your Mayor’s or Clerk’s office.

4. SAFETY – Gun issues are continuing to be a problem. There has been many mass shooting this year and the trajectory shows that there will be more before the end of the month unless something drastic happens within our families and with our elected officials. The first step is to talk to your children and family members more. Find out what is going on with them. Don’t talk through a text message. Sit down and have a conversation with your children. This would be a step in making sure other people lives are taken for no reason.

There are other issues such as Social Justice, Police and Community Relations, Education Equality, Housing Equity and Economic Justice. But if we focus on the issues that I mentioned in this article now, we can create a plan to work on the five additional issues later. So stay tuned to the Telegram News as we work to make our communities better for everyone.