Michael Fassnacht’s Post

The Patman Center asked The LBJ School of Public Affairs alum and State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston) about civic leadership. Read his responses below. What motivates you to stay engaged in civic life? I'm a public policy geek at heart. But at a more personal level, I'm someone who is the happiest when I'm protecting others. I represent one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Most of my residents are immigrants and most have little political power or representation in government. I wanted to make sure that my community got the representation they needed and deserved. In recent years, the attacks on the Asian American and on the immigrant community as a whole have only continued to escalate in frequency and severity. What keeps me motivated to stay engaged in civic life is the ongoing and continuously increasing need to represent and to defend all communities, as well as the more than two million AAPI Texans who call our state their home. How can people pursue civic leadership in their everyday lives? The number one thing people can do is to learn about issues and speak up about things you care about. You should not assume that your concerns are the same as everyone else's and that you don't need to say anything. If there is an issue affecting your life, make that issue known and advocate for yourself and for others. For the sake of our democracy, get engaged, speak up, and demand change.

In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Join us as Baroness Philippa Stroud identifies the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud will discuss how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dUUBjE6D

Happy Juneteenth. As I began to write a message to my community, I received one from a man I greatly respect who spoke better than what I wrote, thank you, Jaime Harrison! "On this day in 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas and formally announced the last enslaved people of their freedom, two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, newly freed slaves didn’t know what awaited them outside of slavery, but they knew they now had the opportunity to pursue a better life for themselves, their families and loved ones, and the next generation. Today, we move forward with that same hope our ancestors had as we continue our fight for a more perfect union, but we also acknowledge the work still ahead of us, and the barriers that remain -- many of which our ancestors faced, too. Systemic racism and white supremacy remain all too prevalent in our society and institutions. There is more we can -- and must -- do to protect the right to vote and counter the voter suppression laws that all too often target Black [and Brown] communities. We must keep fighting to expand access to affordable health care, to bring down costs, and to defend our hard-won freedoms from those working to dismantle them. Our work continues." The inviteCHANGE offices are closed today to observe and acknowledge the milestone, so late in coming in 1865, and also an incomplete, yet first step in a journey that continues to be incomplete. Rituals are important and observations of milestone events assist all of us to pause, reflect, remember, and reimagine our choices for how we show up, interact, and make decisions. May you find time today to consider the ways your daily life influences and is influenced by the fact of slavery, past and present, so you may discover a new way forward, one of belonging and not othering (thank you - john a. powell - for you new book and decades of work at the Belonging & Othering Institute at UC Berkeley - https://lnkd.in/gHyH-Jx2) #tensiontotransformation #executivecoaching #teamcoaching

Congratulations Keith Wright, Director of Strategic Planning for his recent feature on the cover of City & State magazine! In the two articles devoted to him, Keith reflected on his decades of work for Harlem and how he is securing the future of his fellow Black political leaders like Dr. Yusef Salaam and others. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gkPkrnnZ #politics #government #NewYork #NewYorkCity #nyc #nys #governmentaffairs #governmentrelations #legislature #politicalnews #lawfirmnews

We are yearning for political leaders who prioritize the well-being of all Americans and advocate for unity and positive change. Robert Kennedy Jr.'s message of defending all American people and striving for a nation free from divisive politics and internal conflicts resonates with many who seek a better future for the country. The hope for a united and great nation again is a sentiment shared by many who believe in the potential for positive transformation and progress. https://lnkd.in/dKu4HxRZ

Darryl Lockett column: The pivotal role of African Americans in medical advancements Access to quality healthcare is vital to the wellbeing of every American. Indiana is no different. As we celebrate Black History month, it is important to reflect on the rich history of African Americans in Indiana’s medical progress and how far we have come. As Health Equity Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, I recognize that the health inequities we face are not fated or destined, but rather challenges that we can overcome and change. At the same time, I know we stand on the shoulders of giants who have shaped Indiana’s healthcare system for the better. https://ow.ly/UbpN30sA8XU

Here's a message from RFK Jr. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, I am reaching out to you with a critical message about the state of our union. Growing up, I witnessed an America that seemed to have achieved its promise as an exemplary nation – a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and peace. Unfortunately, over the past few decades, we have lost touch with that vision. Now, we face serious challenges such as chronic illness, violence, loneliness, depression, division, and more. Our great cities have turned into tent encampments, leaving many dispossessed Americans and undocumented immigrants living in despair. It's evident that our government institutions have faltered and that our leaders have forgotten the difference between true leadership and bullying. The values of integrity and moral authority that were once synonymous with America are now a distant memory. But here's the good news: we can still restore the America we almost had, the America that was the envy of the world. We just need to be honest with ourselves and recognize the reality we face. Our country is hungry for healing. 

Robert F Kennedy Jr. continues to communicate in a style that harks back to the Democratic Party of my early years. Regrettably, the party he once identified with has now harshly and unfairly turned against him, making him choose the path of running for President as an independent. In his recent State of the Union address, from his perspective he provides an insight that casts light on the stark reality of our current plight. Kennedy tackles the topic with deep thought and respect, exploring the past, with lots of facts on how far we have fallen in the last six decades. He talks about the present, and possible solutions to what he had shown as the traumatic decline of the United States. While in the past I may not agree with every point he raises, in this discourse he undeniably presents legitimate arguments that go beyond political boundaries and strike a chord with common sense regardless of your political party. Kennedy's address underscores the urgency for unity and collaboration in an era marked by great division and conflict. He stresses the necessity of looking past party affiliations and working collectively for the nation's greater good. His plea for a resurgence of civility and decency in politics resonates with many Americans who are wearied by the constant quarreling and partisan strife that characterizes our political arena. Kennedy's outlook on the challenges confronting our nation is sobering, yet he extends a message of hope and positivity. He is of the belief that by uniting and focusing on our common values and objectives, we can surmount the hurdles in our path. His envisaging of a brighter future is uplifting and serves as a reminder that we are all part of this, irrespective of our political disparities. When I ponder on Kennedy's speech, I am made aware of the potency of considerate discourse and respectful dialogue. While we may not always find common ground on every issue, it is crucial to lend an ear to different viewpoints and partake in constructive discussions that can bring about positive transformation. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s words serve as a timely reminder that there is still room for optimism for a better tomorrow, and that by collaborating, we can construct a stronger, more united nation for all. Just saying what I believe to be the obvious once again.

Today, we remember Dr. King as a champion for health equity. He knew healthcare disparities are "shocking & inhumane." We honor him by dismantling barriers & building a just system. Here are some actionable steps we can take: - Advocate for policies that address the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to quality education and employment. - Support initiatives that increase cultural competency and implicit bias training for healthcare providers. - Invest in community-based healthcare programs that reach underserved populations. - Amplify the voices of marginalized communities and actively listen to their needs. - Engage in data-driven research to identify and address specific health disparities. Dr. King's dream wasn't just about equal rights, but a healthy life for all. Let's make it a reality. Further reading: "Ending Health Disparities: A Challenge for the Nation" by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. #MLKDay #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #Justice