It Is Our Duty to Help!

Last year, I had the honor of participating in an opportunity to speak with citizens who have returned from being incarcerated. At my place of work, we received about 30 young black men seeking to learn about entrepreneurship, skills training and how to transition back into a healthy life cycle. These young men appeared to range in age from 18 to 30 years old. Other members of the team were invited to participate in a very open exchange allowing for questions and answers.

Prior to interfacing with the group, I observed the company's Leader as he did a quick interview that was captured on video. The Interviewer wanted to know what we did as a business and why we chose to get involved in this program. What was said still resonates with me. When asked, "why should other companies get involved with programs like this one?", the Leader responded by saying, "it is our duty to help. It is everyone's responsibility to get involved and help returning citizens adjust by providing opportunities like this."

This experience was very fulfilling. It was humbling to have been given a glimpse of what some of these young men experienced. We did not go into detail of their troubles, but I am a believer that everyone has a story to tell. Often times, we judge others and make assumptions, which is unfair. It is impossible to know the road each person travels. Generally speaking, everyone has been met with ups and downs throughout childhoods and adulthood. I grew up during the 1980's where 'crack' was common in the neighborhood. This epidemic has personally affected my family and childhood. See, I too, have a story. A story, that could have easily paved a life of addiction, crime and abuse. Fortunately, those circumstances did not impact my ability to become a mother, creator and influencer.

Serving as a human resource professional, a person can discover so many walks of life. It is painful to see potential in under-served communities but little hope of a better life for individuals and their families. During this event, we talked about talent shortages and expressing the need for these men to seize their goals and not be deterred by people who may not believe in them. Many of them have desires to own businesses and drive creativity. My personal prayer is that our individual stories about how we arrived to where we are, demonstrated perseverance and courage. This was such a powerful way to give back through conversation and introspection.

In closing, this experience helped me see the value in helping others. I realized that I can provide low-cost services to help job seekers get interviews. Giving back and volunteering have become a personal driver in my development. Here's a platform in which I can assist with writing and editing resumes. I can teach basic administrative office skills and lead job readiness programs. You can help too. Explore your talents and abilities to see where you can donate time and spare your resources. Hope may seem lost in this crazy world we live in but it is not lost. Hope can be found in you and me. Hope can be found in how we treat people. Hope is found by showing compassion and extending measures of understanding. Finally, I understand. It is my duty to help. It is absolutely your duty (too) as an individual, company and citizen to help.