ACTION OR APATHY- YOUR CHOICE!

Beside all the external threats Government Relations/Public Policy Advocacy practitioners may face, a more serious threat is the threat of apathy. The dictionary defines apathy as a state of indifference or the suppression of passion, emotion or excitement also, the lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. The opposite of apathy is enthusiasm, fervour, concern and passion.

Excuses such a lacking the time, the money and the energy of what is perceived at the 'extras' of being involved in professional activities are just ways of escaping but by doing so we deny our personal growth. By not being involved, we miss out on the stimulation exposure to issues impacting our profession brings. We miss an opportunity to foster support achieved through networking with colleagues from different practice settings. We fail to see ourselves as part of a vibrant tapestry of Government Relations/Public Policy Advocacy practitioners who share pride and commitment to the profession. Most importantly we lose the sense of the professional conduct. We should reflect on why apathy is occuring:

1. Is there a lack of passion of what we do?
2. Are we concerned about the issues that impact our profession?
3. Is there a lack of knowledge in how to become involved in the issues?
4. Is there an absence of direction and/or role model to follow in the field of Government Relations/Public Policy Advocacy? or
5. Is  apathy a perceived loss of control as a result of excessive stress resulting in our inability to see how to change the situation?

So let us overcome professional apathy. If you find yourself surrounded by colleagues who are constantly complaining about work or the economy, do what you can to separate yourself and ignore those who chose to be negative.

Now is an excellent time to join a professional networking group, a community of practitioners such as AALEP to find others who are taking positive steps to move forward despite difficult times.

We owe it to ourselves to work collaboratively, to encourage and promote engagement and involvement, and tear down the barriers that hinder us from our personal and professional success. We’re all in this together; with our collective ability and our combined cognitive surplus, we can begin to change the way we look at the world, the country, the city, the society and the communities in which we work, live, and ultimately, succeed together.

So my friends, it comes down to this: Action or Apathy – Your Choice!