President-elect Barack Obama received an open letter from author Alice Walker the day after he won the 2008 general election with 53 percent of the popular vote and 365 electoral votes. Walker reminded Obama that he did not create the situation he has inherited and to remember that he, alone, cannot solve all of America’s problems or the world’s problems. Walker is right, and some of us need a reality check. If you’re a reader of this publication, you probably voted for Obama. Even if you didn’t, our president, our nation, and our community need you badly. 

The election is over. It’s time to ditch the red-state blue-state us-versus-them mindset and forge ahead to shared goals — safe and vibrant neighborhoods, strong schools, economic opportunity, and the freedom to live our lives in peace.

 

The change we seek won’t happen if we look 2,700 miles east toward Washington, D.C. and wait for it. Progress must happen right here in our city and in our local community. It won’t happen if we spend more time complaining about what’s wrong and less time doing the work to make things right. And it won’t happen overnight, in 100 days or in one year. A friend of mine put it succinctly: “We must give a little more and take a little less.” 

 

President-elect Obama recruited millions of volunteers to get elected and to stay active. He asks us to be leaders, and let’s be clear about the definition. Leaders are all around us, and they don’t need a stage or the spotlight to be effective. They don’t need to shout to be heard. People behind the scenes who quietly care for our elders, serve our homeless and help our veterans are everyday leaders — heroes. 

 

Here’s the good news. Tacoma has an abundance of opportunities to get involved in our community. Are you passionate about urban planning, the arts, human rights, literacy, the environment, international relations or historic preservation? Join a board, commission or committee. There are openings, and you get to serve with fun, smart, interesting people who love our city as much as you do.

 

Want to make your neighborhood safer and more attractive? Bring your ideas and enthusiasm to your neighborhood council. Are you worried about the high school graduation rate? There is no such thing as a waiting list for volunteer tutors in any subject in any grade. Are you tech savvy? Help those without Internet access learn how to use computers at your local library. Do you want access to affordable fresh produce in more neighborhoods? Join the Tacoma Food Co-op. 

 

As you give thanks this holiday season and ponder your resolutions for the new year, think of our president-elect and the responsibility we all share. It took a nation of millions to elect Obama, but millions of volunteers or voters who disappear after the election can hold us back. 

 

Think about progress and your hopes for our community. Dissect that vision and ask yourself what steps must be taken to make it a reality. Then ask yourself what your role will be. Are you willing to do some heavy lifting? What is your definition of heavy?

 

When President-elect Barack Hussein Obama takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009, he will do so in front of the U.S. Capitol, a structure that slaves helped build. He will also do so the day after we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Open the door. Hope has arrived. Anything is possible in America and right here in Tacoma. Dream big. Roll up your sleeves. 

 

Keep pushing.