Strive for success: Get involved with your association

I believe there are only two days when people are truly equal — Election Day and Judgment Day. On those two days, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, tall or short, Republican or Democrat — we’re all equal. And unless you prepare, advocate and practice your values, beliefs and truths, the outcome may not be exactly what you intended.

That’s why, as your president, I want REALTORS®, commercial and residential, as well as our appraiser members, to understand the issues that affect them and what the association is doing to protect our way of life, and the rights of Michigan’s private property owners.

It’s through education regarding the issues that threaten private property rights, and the process that occurs with our public policy team, and that of our REALTOR® Political Action Committee with lawmakers, that we will be better informed and able to control our future as best we can come future Election Days.

There is no better way to become educated on issues than to become active. I believe that we should become active in our local, state or national association simply because it is our duty, and our American freedom.

I encourage all members to donate to RPAC, or donate their time by volunteering to serve on a committee at their local, state or national association.

Nothing has helped my business more than becoming involved with MAR and my local association, the Metropolitan Consolidated Association of REALTORS®. I used to read the bulletins, Web sites and respond to Calls to Action — all fine involvement by
themselves — but I didn’t truly comprehend the amount of information that hangs in the balance every time MAR’s public policy team makes a trip to the Capitol steps.

There is so much more to the process. As an association, our members need to learn about the challenges. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By being informed of the political tests that face the real estate industry, we will be prepared for anything.

Everyone knows what the governor does — we can read it in the paper. But what about the state Supreme Court? What about the public service commissions, townships, villages, all of which regulate land use and development, and ultimately the growth of the communities in which we live and do business.

Members typically choose not to become “politically involved.” Yet, every time we turn on a water faucet or light switch, we are. Every time we put our children on a school bus, mail a letter, check out a library book, apply for a loan, pay taxes, sell a property, we’re “politically involved.” Whether you like it or not, it’s true.

Education should be our number one priority, yet few members turn out for meetings, donate to RPAC or volunteer. In 2004, just 45 percent of MAR members donated to RPAC. Those donors contributed a total of $631,637, to protect our business. This year, RPAC’s goal is $725,000. I would like to see 100 percent participation.

A donation of $10 per member would shatter, and I mean shatter, all expectations. It would send a message to the state, telling what I already know, that REALTORS® care. They want to make changes for the betterment of the industry.

But it starts with you.

Democracy is not a spectator sport! The REALTOR® way of life cannot, and will not, be maintained by those unwilling to become “politically involved.” Its preservation demands our participation. It’s our responsibility to uphold the greatest system of government and exercise the greatest freedom ever devised. Ours is a system for, by and of the people. It’s for us. Therefore, it is no stronger or better than the “people.” Let us not forget, we are the people! We are REALTORS®!

Help MAR, and help yourself, find the lawmakers who share our political philosophy. Get involved in your association. Vote when you have the chance and encourage others to do the same.

Helen Keller once said, “I am only one, yet I am one. I cannot do everything, yet I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Let’s strive to do the something we can do ... GET INVOLVED!