How do you decide what to focus on?

There has been so much going on in 2020, that it is hard to determine which issue to focus on. 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.

Here is my attempt to prioritize our efforts for the remainder of 2020. Since it is so much going on, we are asking for 'All Hands On Deck.

1. COVID-19 – You can't help your family or community if you are not here. It is so simple to do your part. 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) wear a mask while you are inside. You want to protect them. Remember to wash your hands often and train your children and retrain young adults to wash their hands often. Get a COVID-19 Test to learn your status. Lastly, stay home whenever possible. The less you come in contact with others will help to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.

2. 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION – PRIMARY – The 2020 Primary Election is one of the most important issues on the list, however by Tuesday it will be over and we can take a break until the second week in August. Please cast your vote by Tuesday, August 4th at 8:00pm. If you have an Absentee Ballot, please deliver it to your clerk office. (The mail is moving slower than normal. If you haven't mailed it by now, please contact your clerk office to ask them what the best way is to get your ballot to them) We must vote. 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 precient if you choose to vote at the polls on Tuesday.

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. 2020 CENSUS – This is the easiest one to handle. It will take about 10 minutes for you to complete your 2020 Census. These 10 minutes will determine how much money comes to your city for the next 10 years. If you want more resources, for our schools, health centers, money from grants to help our kids, please take the time to complete your form. You can complete it on your phone, tablet or computer at http://www.2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 for English or 1-844-468-2020 for Spanish. If you have said, 'I wish my city had some money to ..........," That is probably because people didn't complete their Census ten years ago. Please do your part to make sure there is money in our city for our kids to benefit from over the next 10 years.

So, there you have it. This guideline will get you through August. So let's get busy.

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 four 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.

Gina Wilson Steward

CEO/Publisher