The Liberation of Rejection

"Dear to us are those who love us... but dearer are those who reject us
as unworthy, for they add another life; they build a heaven before us
whereof we had not dreamed, and thereby supply to us new powers out of
the recesses of the spirit, and urge us to new and unattempted
performances."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today, I found out that I was yet again not selected for a job.  I didn't really want the job, but I did really want an increase in pay.  And even more than that, I wanted to stop doing what I am currently doing.

It's just time.  No, actually it's past time.  The steps have become a little too routine, the conversations extremely monotonous and the drive is slowly leaving my body like mist.  And ever so often, I get excited about the possibility of a new project, a new direction.  Hell, I get excited when a new person comes into the department.

So, this time the rejection was even more disheartening.  Maybe God is saying sit still or maybe it truly isn't my time.  Nevertheless, I searched for some lesson.  And it really was, why would I really want to do this or any job if I'm not passionate about it.

 

So when we experience rejection as young professionals, is it because it's not our time or is it because it takes 10 no's to get to a yes?  Or have they built a heaven for us?  Whatever it is, it makes rejection feel so much better.     

It Couldn't Be Me...

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ADVOCATE - 04.29.10

It couldn’t be me...

Last week I had the opportunity to view “The Farm: 10 Down,” a poignant documentary about maximum security Angola Prison in Louisiana. The film revisits the surviving subjects of the Emmy-winning documentary, “The Farm.”

It provided me with an education about the prison system that I didn’t know that I needed. Growing up in Louisiana, I’ve always known that was the place where people went for a very long time. I didn’t realize that most of the residents of Angola are long-timers.

The film provided an interesting perspective on what happens after we throw away the key. And with so many prisoner re-entry programs focused on rehabilitating them after release, I thought we should know about what rehabilitation looks like on the inside of Angola.

View the Young Professional Advocate 04.29.10

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Today is Earth Day! - Green Grass Generation Begins

If you’ve ever attended a meeting with a group of young professionals, you will know that the energy can be exhilarating. Focused or not, there’s a kinetic possibility in the air that is hard to ignore. Corralling that energy into a plan is an art form, but when executed effectively can produce solid results.

When I started highlighting policy issues for young professionals, it was with the goal of targeting that energy on issues that would ultimately change our planet. Grass roots strategies to energize the communities, organizations and businesses that we serve. And it’s time to get to work.

Get involved in our 2010 young professional focus area, sustainability by focusing your energy on the Green Grass Generation!

Diversity and African American History Month

We've assembled a team of approximately 10 coworkers of various cultures to participate in planning our 1st department-wide African American History observance later this month.  What does your organization do for African American History Month?  Are you starting new traditions this year?

My Daughter: An Endangered Species

My daughter shared with me at the dinner table that “It’s like being an endangered species being one of two democrats in the room. Everybody’s lashing out at each other.”
She was talking about her English class, where one of her fellow students remarked that, “the only reason Barack Obama got elected was because the country wanted to make history.” His remark stemmed from a candid discussion about Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech. When I asked what her response was, she said she just didn’t feel like responding.

After listening to the speech, their assignment was to write down 3 dreams of their own. My daughter’s dream was that everyone be able to express their views openly. As I think about my childhood and imagine my parents’ through stories shared with me, I wonder why she must still shoot for that dream. And while we have enjoyed freedom of speech since 1791, why is it still not equitable?

We live in a world where the loudest, most powerful voices or even the majority of people in the room often overwhelm and conquer the others. We live in a world where the best ideas are often overlooked in favor of those that spring from wealth, power and the ability to speak into a live microphone.

But, I still dream.

I dream that motherless children from Haiti speak loudly through their photographs, that the peaceful calm voices of Gandhi, Mandela, Chavez and King resonate and persist through new voices, that my persistent emails and blogs promote thought, and that my daughter turns opposition into the opportunity to create cleverly-executed, verbal rebuttals.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday today and a national day of service on Monday, find an opportunity to serve your community in a way that will help us to see dreams fulfilled in the lives of others.

Haiti Update - Urban League of Palm Beach County mobilizes

Urban League of Palm Beach County


Working with state and local officials in Florida to provide needed items to those in Haiti

You can donate the following items:

1) Money

2) Blankets

3) Dry rice and beans

4) Baby supplies

5) Shoes

Send Donations to Urban League 1700 N. Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Contact
Graylen Houston
ULYP of Palm Beach County
561-215-5078
graylenhouston@yahoo.com

The Crisis in Haiti…what will the response be?

The Crisis in Haiti…what will the response be?

I awoke to a picture of a young child surrounded by rubble in the aftermath of yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti. She looked so much like the daughter of a friend of mine. Her no doubt once shining face, covered in concrete dust.

I heard about this tragedy on the way home from work yesterday and by this morning heard that the President had committed to aid for Haiti. I also saw a sound byte from Department of State head, Hillary Clinton speaking of the tragedy.

But following the disasters that we’ve seen over the past 10 years…911…Hurricane Katrina…the Tsunami and the varying levels of support and response given, I wonder what will happen this time. And to be honest, I’m cynical about the global response to a country of people of color. I heard a lady asking for help from the United States and wondered if we would really deliver, in a way that would really help her.
So my prayers and support will be with the people of Haiti and I’ve compiled some resources that may help you make a difference in that region.

Wyclef’s Video on CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/01/12/bpr.wyclef.jean.haiti.cnn


Wyclef’s Blog
http://wyclefjean.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/statement-by-wyclef-jean-on-haiti-earthquake/

Way to Give through Wyclef’s Foundation
Wyclef Jean, a rapper and hip hop artist from Haiti, urged people to text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 toward earthquake relief.

WFAA Channel 8’s Giving Recommendations
• The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• UNICEF: www.unicef.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF
• Operation USA: www.opusa.org

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Have you ever been accused of something that you didn’t do by someone who has an interest in your failure? Or have you just flat out been sabotaged by a co-worker who wants to win?

Some of you may say, what planet are you on, that is so elementary school or high school at best. But it appears that the high schoolers who lied about you have grown up, entered the work place and are at it again. Unlike the silly stuff they used to do…lying and saying your hair was cute when it was sticking out in the back, or lying about their intention to run for homecoming queen, they are now lying about things that really matter.

So, beware of the liar who tells your boss that you messed up the work assignment when you really didn’t and the boss who doesn’t know the report well enough to know that they are lying.

Do people lie at your job? What do they lie about? Share your experiences.

Are You Serious?!

Are you serious?

I just heard the clear eyes guy, you know the one on the “Clear Eyes” commercial; complain that President Obama held a press conference to offer his response to the attempted Christmas terrorist attack in a polo shirt. He was completely irritated that the President did not take the time to put on a suit and tie to address the nation and suggested that he shouldn’t be in Hawaii at all.

Now, I distinctly remember commenting to friends and family that President Bush was always on vacation in Crawford, TX or at Camp David. So I find it very interesting that one 11-day vacation in Hawaii that was filled with updates and calls from Washington is being used to criticize the President.

Just in case you don’t remember, here are some quotes:

"President Bush is beating the August heat the same way he always does -- with a vacation on his ranch in Texas. He got there yesterday. This will be his shortest vacation since he's taken office. Usually he takes a full month, this time around because of the wars and everything, only ten days. I guess he's saving up the personal days so he can skip the last three months of his presidency." --Jimmy Kimmel

"As you know, President Bush is taking 5 weeks off. It's like he's still in the National Guard." --Jay Leno

"President Bush is on a five-week vacation. How many folks get five weeks off a year? You know, if I want five weeks off I have to have open heart surgery, for God's sake." --David Letterman

"The president jumped on a plane to start a five-week vacation. This will be the longest presidential vacation in 36 years. This means President Bush has now been on vacation for 27% of his presidency. That means the country could be 27% more screwed up than it already is." --Jimmy Kimmel

And just in case you need a news story:

487 Days at Camp David for Bush
Posted by Brian Montopoli

(AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
George W. Bush is today making his final visit to Camp David as president.

He will likely miss the place: According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.

Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.

Changing the Bureaucratic Culture

Changing the Bureaucratic Culture

My boss has been (about 30 levels removed) has been criticized for her response after the attempted bomb detonation on a flight to Detroit. I am thrilled that this attempt was stopped and that we are not now discussing the tragic loss of the passengers of that plane.

If my memory serves me correctly, Napolitano has been serving in her current post for less time than President Obama (since he appointed her after his swearing in). And unfortunately she is working within a federal government environment where change is slow and where it is sometimes difficult to pin-point exactly where the buck stops. Did the breakdown in communication between departments come from the typical federal knowledge hoarding that ensures top-dog status? Or did it stem from the lack of funding for the comprehensive database and equipment necessary to share information across platforms? Or it could be some other breakdown that cannot be pin-pointed exactly?

Whatever the cause, I doubt that the problem solely rests on the leader who recently took the helm. The problem may stem from the lack of open communication from secretary to the top levels of management and the lack of accountability across the entire organization. These failures should point us to how to better manage the bureaucracy to excellence, to create a government environment that rivals our best corporations. If we stop looking for scapegoats, we may be able to fix a system that is in desperate need of repair.

Epiphany

Epiphany

While it is the name of the newest Chrisette Michelle album and no-doubt the name of countless trendy clubs across the country, mine was the normal kind. That SAT word that many people don’t strive to understand, as long as they don’t have to use it, came to me as I asked myself some pointed questions.

What is this blog really supposed to be about?
Who am I trying to help?
How will it profit me?

Fortunately the first two questions were relatively easy. The blog is about young professionals, and is trying to help you (young professionals or those striving to understand this demographic). But benefiting me has been a rough spot, because I’m really not wired that way.

So I deduced that the best way to profit me would be to ensure that this blog would be able to be an honest outlet, a place where I can rid myself of those things that I dare not say to any and everyone. In that way, by helping to preserve my sanity, this blog would be hugely profitable.

So on this day of the real Epiphany, the Christian festival, observed on January 6th to commemorate the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles, I offer my epiphany…my sudden, intuitive perception of the essential meaning of this Young Professional Advocate blog. I vow to share my consistent revelations with you. :)

After Being Called A Liar...Getting the Job Done

Like many others, I have sufficiently reviewed the comments made in last night's Presidential address. Miraculously, when I woke up this morning Joe Wilson is still an elected official with a vote representing some of the citizens of South Carolina. And President Obama must work with he and other legislators (some who stood up and others who sat down) to create a healthcare plan that works for Americans.

As leaders in the workplace, the community and our homes, we have all encountered someone who has been less than professional in their dealings with us. My question is then, how do we really move forward? Do we truly accept the apology of others and move on to get the job done?

Based on President Obama's comments and demeanor, it appears that he moved on almost as soon as the comment was made. In order to get the job done, we have to be able to put aside words in favor of concrete suggestions, ideas and solutions.

So let's use this as a growth experience. Share how you turned a disparaging comment or a lack of respect into a finished project.

President Obama's School Fire Side Chat

This evening's news headline included concerned parents ready to keep their kids out of school in order to prevent them from being exposed to politics. When did we decide that we no longer wanted our kids to be exposed to politics? They are exposed to us every day. Maybe, it was when the President decided to speak to students and encourage them to do well in school.

Since when did encouraging children to do well in school become a political issue. If President Obama came to my class (via television) to speak about the importance of achieving academically, I would listen. I would have listened to any President of the United States of America. In fact, the fireside chats weren't just for adults.

School districts have been given the choice to determine whether our children will see the message in school. Some who are concerned that they have not seen the message, or that parents may not approve are opting to post it online for later viewing. But the students who need encouragement the most, may not have a computer with which to watch.

Seriously, the "politics" of the situation prohibit the President from saying anything questionable. The "politics" do not however, keep individuals from questioning whether a man that speaks on our behalf to the leaders of the world, can craft a non-political message to our children.

Come on, give me a break!

If you have children, let your school district, board or school know that you trust our nation's President to speak to our children about education on September 8th.

The Definition of Professional

We are told that to be professional is to be appreciated by coworkers, lauded by managers and supported by the organizations that we support for pay. However, it is clear that not all organizations run as professionally as we would like. And that even the most well-trained organizations are only as professional as their corporate culture allows.

And what does professional mean? Is it using proper grammar to transmit an email or is it refraining from shouting across cubicles even when you can see the person right there?

professional - exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.

Based on this definition, maybe you should begin by exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, businesslike manner. Then conform to the technical or ethical standards of your chosen profession. At some point your "professionalism" may have to conform to the standards of those around you.

And if you choose not to conform, you may be in for a very lonely journey.

What do you do when confronted with the choice of being your best or accommodating to your surroundings? I would love to know.

YP Global Summer of Service - Talisa Lavarry

Difference Maker: Talisa Lavarry

Event Title: Recessionista's Closet Clothing Swap

How She Made A Difference:

Brought the community together in an effort to raise awareness about green living and give people a chance to gain new wardrobes free of charge. I also managed to accumulate over four large trash bags of clothing to donate to the Dallas Street Ministry.

What Did They Have to Say About It?:

"Talisa, what a nice event and the fashion show was a perfect backdrop." - Stan

"That was very different, you inspired me." - Anonymous Swapper

What Did it Cost You?: A lot of time marketing and hard work.

Warm Fuzzy:

I got warm fuzzies from all the wonderful volunteers that gave unselfishly.

What's Next?:

I am excited about my new Industry Expert column that can be found in the North Dallas Gazette and my upcoming radio show on www.everydayexperiences.com.

Mayor's Meeting Turns into YP Forum

It went something like this...

I slid the paper across the desk, warm from the printer and freshly typed. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, I missed one. Oh, we'll talk about that anyway.

"So I asked my facebook friends what they'd like me to ask you at our meeting...Here are some of the questions they asked."


What service initiative could YPs participate in that would benefit the city?

Mayor Leppert - Mayor's Back To School Event

What can we do about unemployment at Citi Group?

Mayor Leppert -

It's too hot in Texas, what can we do about it?

Mayor Leppert - Shook his head and laughed

What jobs are coming to Dallas?

Mayor Leppert - We are going after companies with the recently published article in the Economist that touts Texas as being more desirable than California.

How much of the bailout money did Dallas receive and where is it being spent?

Mayor Leppert - $50 million

Any plans to raise or lower city taxes?

Mayor Leppert - The goal is to leave them the same.

Free Cowboys tickets for everyone?

Mayor Leppert - No

Senior Citizens and Elderly Programs at the MLK Center?

Mayor Leppert - Available programs should be available on the city website
Clarification: I typed this question too fast and didn't note the concern for cuts to those programs, see below.

How does one go about getting a key to the city?

Mayor Leppert - Keys to the city are extremely limited, but proclamations are more readily available. Visit the city website to submit a request.

The meeting continued. Here is some additional information that you may not know.

• Ultimately, the city council votes on what gets cut out of the city budget.
  
• The City Manager will put the budget out on August 10th.
  
• $130 million needs to be cut.
  
• A possible source of cuts may be the city's health services. Arthur this could affect the MLK Center programs. Dallas County is responsible for Health services. However, during good years city leaders requested and used funds for programs that could benefit citizens. They did this even when the programs actually fell under the financial jurisdiction of the county. Over the years, the programs grew in size and often in budget due to budget surpluses. As the city looks at ways to cut expenses, those programs may be cut just because they are not the city's responsibility. Sadly, the county may be ill-equipped to take on the financial burden of these programs at this time.
  
• Paul Quinn was discussed. I walked away feeling as I have before. Those who want to keep Paul Quinn alive and thriving in Dallas must help the university create a strategy for success. That strategy must include organizational and structural strength and consistent financial support. Otherwise the doors will open just long enough for the next tragedy. And don't let me forget to mention that I really like Michael Sorrell.
  

I left the meeting with a sense that it is up to us as citizens to determine how we can support those things which are important to us. We must speak up, out and work.

The questions you provided prompted the Mayor to agree to a forum with Young Professionals on Saturday, September 12th. Let me know who else you'd like to sit down with and what issues you would like to discuss. To stay on top of forum developments, sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.brandirichard.com.

Special thanks to those of you who posed questions. We may do this more often.

YP Global Summer of Service - Let's Get Started

I've accumulated YP service opportunities to post here in support of the President's Summer of Service initiative. To ensure my credibility with you, let me start with what I plan to do to serve others.

Difference Maker: Me

What I'm Doing?: Advocating on behalf of Young Professionals

My goal is to help Young Professionals make their dreams come true. I do this through sharing important information, connections, tools and support with you and then sharing your wonderful contributions with others. Asking the questions you want answered, requesting the assistance that you need, and sharing my adventures along the way is what I do.

How Do I Make A Difference?:

Monthly Advocate Newsletters
Blog
Workshops, Seminars and Forums
Raising Awareness

What's Next?:

Look for my articles and advocacy work with Urban Influence Magazine. www.urbaninfluencemagazine.com

Let me know what you're doing...

Does your job allow you to serve others?
Do you serve the environment through conservation?
Do you feed the homeless or look after a friend's children so he/she can take a class?

Visit the contact me section of my website or contact me via facebook or twitter.
www.brandirichard.com
www.facebook.com/brandirichard
www.twitter.com/brandirichard

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Over the past few weeks, so many have lost their lives, that I thought I wouldn't be able to devote my pen to the service opportunities that I intended. I've just been so distracted that I felt the need to slow down and refocus. In the midst of the relaxation, I discovered a jewel that keeps floating ever so slightly to the surface, legacy.

It's rolled off of my tongue so many times over the past couple of months, that it can't just be happenstance that it showed up again. My boss recently asked me to create a presentation that encourages our staff to write accomplishments from the "legacy" perspective. I half-heartedly agreed, wondering if legacy could truly be derived from the mundane reality of performance metrics (what we do). The presentation stemmed from my Big Boss's stirring speech to our mentoring group, "What will remain after you are gone? When you move on to another position, what will you leave in your current one?"

Legacy after you leave the job, hmm. Maybe something like, "I improved communication across the team by...creating this presentation exactly as my boss requested."

Interestingly enough, we've had two more familiar examples of legacy...legacy after death.

Michael Jackson, King of Pop and arguably the greatest entertainer of all time, was eulogized through word, song and raw emotion. As a product of the 1st MTV generation, I became extremely fond of all things Michael Jackson, from the red Thriller jacket to our 5th grade graduation rendition of We Are the World. I just new I was Diana with my extra puffy press and curl.

But during his memorial on every major channel, many described a man who strove for greatness, attempted perfection and along the way, became this great, world-renowned entertainer.

Then we have a spectacular athlete who chose to attend an HBCU and still made it to the pros. One who contributed to countless charitable organizations and had a beautiful family. Sportscasters and athletes touted his professionalism and sheer athletic courage on the field.

Both of these men left incredible bodies of work and charitable giving. But as news anchors pondered whether or not Michael Jackson was receiving too much press, they cut to a visibly distressed man, "I don't know why a child molester and a pervert deserves all of this attention." And Steve McNair, I feel conflicted about him myself. "How do you raise boys who love and respect women, when you have girlfriends?"

As you and I both ponder why I felt the need to go here, it's because I wonder about my own legacy. Will my daughter understand the sacrifices that I made to serve the community? And will those sacrifices net a change that she can be proud of if she has to sit on the front row of a church gazing at my casket? I hope that no one has to make an Al Sharpton speech to her about the fact that her momma wasn't crazy. And I pray that no one has to make sure they don't mention the specifics of my death.

Legacies are more than your professional resume. They are more than how much money you give away, how many hit albums you produce, and how many touch downs you score. As I work with Young Professionals, it sometimes amazes me how much we focus on success and how little we worry about what will be left in its wake.

What will your legacy be?

This summer, I would like to highlight your efforts to make the world better than you found it through service. As you will see through my coming posts, there are many ways to be of service to others. Share with me how you've done it, through work, volunteer service, organization, etc. and I'll share it with as many people as I can. :)

brandi@brandirichard.com
www.brandirichard.com

I Want to Go Green!

I Want to Go Green!

by Brandi Richard

I’ve always wanted to be one of those cool environmentalist-type people who wore only pure cotton clothes with no dye and ate organic legumes. The kind that rode really neat bikes to the store and whose svelte shapely bodies screamed yoga everyday!

But alas it was not to be, I’ve driven two gas-guzzling cars in succession, opted for cheaper “inorganic” vegetables and couldn’t make it to all those yoga classes at the gym. Deep in my spirit, I feel the wheels of change turning. There’s a new clean air engine sweeping through the country side and I am jumping on board.

In honor of my new green participation, I’ve purchased a green leather handbag, a pair of green open-toe pumps and a couple of fab green shirts. (No, not really. I just threw it in for my fashionable friends.) Nonetheless, I’m starting small.

1. Planting a garden. As soon as the landscape man comes back, I will ask him to till the back corner of my yard for a beautiful garden. And then I will continue to participate in the economic recovery by asking him to regularly remove the weeds.

2. When having my clothes dry cleaned, I will recycle the hangers and ask them to keep the plastic bags. Until I can afford to swap out all of my polyester for pure cotton, I still have to go.

3. Recycle all of the carrying bags that I receive at professional conferences and conventions and turn them into reusable grocery bags. Heck, I’m not going to use them anyway.

4. Repurpose all of my excess stuff. By reducing the number of eastern-inspired floor pillows in my den, I can increase the feng shui experience in my den and contribute to the comfort of someone else’s bottom. (Yes, I will have them cleaned first.)



Let's see if I can do better...

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
(Thanks Joyce!)


http://www.brandirichard.com/ * http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/ * www.facebook.com/brandirichard

Dallas Urban League Affiliate meets with Texas Congressional Leaders on the Hill

The Dallas delegation with Marc Morial (AK Mago not pictured)

Meeting with Kay Bailey Hutchison








John Cornyn Returns to a Senate Hearing




Meeting w/Ryan on behalf of Congressman Marchant

Dallas Delegation


Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks, Urban League of Greater Dallas CEO
Stan Levinson, Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
AK Mago, Immediate Past Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
Anthony Murphy, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals President
Brandi Richard, Board Member