Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Is Work a Right?

Why do people feel that having a job is a right, as if they are entitled to work? A job is a privilege and it has to be earned. People expect us to put them to work, but they don't want to go through the classes we have to offer. Men haven't worked in 3 years can't give us 8 weeks... hmmm. Do they really wanna work?

Our phone rings constantly, and the person calling asks, "Can you get me a job". First of all, we don't know who the person is. Responsible people would never set someone up for failure. That's what we would be doing if we simply sent men and women out to work without, first, getting to know them and instilling our programs values into them.

So many people say they want work, but they are not ready for work. They lack the basic skills that employers are looking for. That is why the job searches are always unfruitful. Our job is to train men and women in the areas that employers look for. We don't have a magic formula, but we do know what employers want.

We MUST be able to vouch for anyone that we send to an employer. That only comes with time. That is why our program is structured the way that it is. We have been very successful so we can not begin to stray from our core values.

I'm sure many men and women have hung up angry. But if they would give us a try, they would see that it is not hard. And the time will be over before you know it. Explain this logic: a woman hasn't had a job in 4 years. We tell her that if she completes our program, we will send her to an employer that works with us. She doesn't come. huh?

People don't really pay attention sometimes. If I have been unsuccessful in my job search for YEARS, why can't I give an organization 2 months in a situation where I won't even have to search anymore. The employer will be waiting for ME? STRANGE!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Ban the Box

Ban the Box is a national movement that removes the question, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony" from the employment application. Many people wonder why that is so significant. Opponents even argue that felons should not be allowed to obtain city jobs.

Removing the box from applications may seem small to the common man, but to those of us that have felony convictions, it is a tremendous sign of hope! I've often stated that, "Where there is no hope, the only thing that can be expected is failure". The removal of that box gives us HOPE! And that hope is motivation to go ever harder and perform even better and contribute to society.

Banning the box does not remove the criminal background check. That would be crazy. But it does move it farther down the line in the hiring process. As it stands right now, that box is the first method of dismissal for potential employers. The City of Memphis is taking a great leap in leading the city's private sector toward fair hiring practices to ensure that they have the most qualified workforce possible.

I hope that the private sector sees the benefit in giving men and women hope. Crime is at an all time high. We can reduce that with measures such as this. This shows men and women that have criminal background histories that everyone is not against them and that opportunities are available. Knowing that one has an option will spur him/her to fight on and not give up. Prison, then, becomes a deterrent and is no longer an option.

I applaud the Memphis City Council, led by Chairman Harold Collins and Janis Fullilove, for taking the initiative to make Memphis a city of choice.

I know there are many questions. Please feel free to ask and I will do my best to provide an answer.