[TEXT: Young African Leaders Initiative Online Training Series]
[Allison Silberberg, Vice Mayor, Alexandria, Virginia] ALLISON SILBERBERG: I'm Allison Silberberg, and I'm the vice mayor
of Alexandria, Virginia, an historic town near the
nation's capital, Washington D.C., and I'm going to talk about
becoming an effective public servant. [TEXT: Becoming an Effective Public Servant]
I am honored to have been elected as the vice mayor of
Alexandria, and I’m proud to serve my community. [TEXT: Proud to serve community]
From the very beginning, I was determined to do an excellent
job for all of the people.
I realized that there would be a learning curve, but I was
enthusiastic and determined to do as much as I could
during my three-year term.
One of the first things I did after the election was to seek
out the elders of the community — those who had been elected and [TEXT: Seek out the elders of the community]
had served, in public office, or on commissions or boards.
I asked if they had any suggestions or ideas. [TEXT: Ask for suggestions or ideas]
I asked them what they thought and listened to everything they [TEXT: Listen to what they say]
said — and what they didn't say.
It has been extremely helpful to me to consult
with all these voices.
But let me be clear. I stand on my own, and I make
all my own decisions. [TEXT: Make your own decisions]
I weigh all sides and then vote or act based upon my conscience.
I also reach out to a number of local nonprofits and civic
associations on a regular basis. [TEXT: Reach out to community organizations.]
I think it’s important to work effectively with the city staff [TEXT: Work effectively with city staff]
and ask for their opinions about issues of the day. [TEXT: Ask for their opinions]
It’s important to listen carefully to all
the different perspectives. [TEXT: Listen to all perspectives]
And I vote for what I believe is right for all the people of our [TEXT: Vote for what is right]
beloved, historic city, Alexandria.
I’m elected for my judgment.
So there will be times when many in the community have one
perspective, while others have a different opinion. [TEXT: Expect varying opinions]
While there will be times when some will not agree with a
particular vote I make, I’m sure that there will be many
other occasions where we will have common ground. [TEXT: Common ground]
I believe that we must vote for what is right and for what is
just for the common good and for the long-term interests of our [TEXT: Common good]
citizens and the generations to come. [TEXT: Consider long-term interests of citizens]
Being effective means being an excellent listener. [TEXT: Be an excellent listener]
One way for me to hear what our citizens have to say is by
inviting them to my monthly coffee, which is called
"Council on Your Corner." [TEXT: Hold informal gatherings]
All are welcome to attend. [TEXT: Be inclusive]
It’s a casual event on a Saturday morning.
We sit in a circle so I can see and hear everyone.
People love it because they can share their thoughts and
concerns, and they know that they are heard. [TEXT: Citizens know that they are heard]
Everyone feels that they are among friends and neighbors
who want to help each other.
People get to know one another in the process.
And people are working together regardless of political party. [TEXT: Work together regardless of political party]
Another aspect to being a public leader is civic engagement. [TEXT: Civic engagement]
Not everyone can give 20 hours a week, or even five hours.
But many can give an hour a weekend and get involved
in something larger than themselves.
[TEXT: Create opportunities for citizen involvement] What I have found is that I am basically creating
opportunities for people to get involved and join me in this
effort to make our city a better place to live for everyone.
If there is a proposal for a big change in our city government or
regarding a piece of property, there is often a great deal
of debate. Debate is a sign of a strong democracy. [TEXT: Debate is the sign of a strong democracy]
It’s good for people with different opinions
to come to the table and discuss their views.
[TEXT: Respect all opinions] It’s important to respect all opinions and allow the debate
to happen without reprisals, and to keep an open mind. [TEXT: Keep an open mind]
It’s a great honor to serve and I give it everything I have.
The question always in my mind, when faced with a decision, is:
What is in the best interest of our people and our beloved,
historic city? [TEXT: Best interest of the people and the community]
That is what being an effective public servant is all about.
[TEXT: Test your knowledge YALI.state.gov YALINetwork After you've completed all the units in this course at YALI.state.gov
[TEXT: Produced by the U.S. Department of State] you can test your knowledge and earn a
YALI Network Certificate.