|
By Bill Settlemyer
President and CEO, Setcom Media Inc.
What will it take to grow our state’s work force in a way that’s sustainable over the long run? Clearly, we’re not doing so well on that count as measured by poverty levels, educational performance, the health of our population and the economic stability of many households around the state.
Our state’s shortcomings on these measures have deep historical and political roots that are hard to overcome despite years of effort. But as any business entrepreneur can tell you, persistence in the face of adversity is simply one of the basics of economic success.
In my regional community (Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties), there is a familiar group of business and civic leaders who often move to the fore to tackle the tough issues that hold us back. That’s true in other parts of the state too, in communities large and small, but I want to mention something important taking place in our region.
I’ve been a board member of our local Trident United Way organization for a number of years now, and I’ve watched an evolution take place that’s bringing a new resource to the region and, by extension, to the state.
To be specific, a few years ago the organization created a detailed plan for the establishment of public policy positions on social issues that directly affect both the quality of life and the economic strength of our region.
This new approach does not replace the traditional United Way role of raising funds and distributing them to worthy nonprofit agencies. What is new is the recognition that actions taken by our local and state governments can have a huge impact for good or ill, and United Way’s support of constructive changes in public policy can sometimes have a far greater impact on those we seek to serve than the direct support we provide to the region’s nonprofit agencies.
At a recent Trident United Way board meeting, there was a discussion of the need to upgrade the state’s standard for public education to require that children receive “a high quality education” rather than a “minimally adequate education.” We should not be surprised at the failings of our education system if we start by setting the bar as low as possible. Would you set such a low performance standard in your own business? Of course not!
Turning to more specific issues, Trident United Way is committed to actively supporting the development of a statewide quality rating systems for child care programs, and to being an advocate for the creation of high quality universal 4K programs for all children in South Carolina.
There are other important examples I could provide on the substance of positions taken by Trident United Way, but I also want to address the implications of this new direction.
The leadership of our United Way includes heavy representation from the region’s top business leaders. When they “put on their United Way hats,” they bring their business experience and judgment to bear on the needs of those most disadvantaged in our community, helping to create a rising tide of support and services that advances the social and economic well being of the region as a whole.
Focusing the talents and experiences of these leaders on critical issues of public policy brings an important new perspective to the table that can help influence and guide the state’s political leaders as they work on our behalf.
I would like to see this evolve into a coordinated effort by United Way organizations around the state to reach a consensus on key public policy issues and provide a new way for both the people and local business leaders to speak to the political leadership about the importance of moving our state forward on the basis of sound public policy decisions. If you’re reading this editorial, you’re probably one of the people who have such influence in your community. Use it!
| Comments () >> |
 |
|
