Private Thoughts on the Association of Tanzanian Community in Washington DC

 (ATC-Metro)

By Julius Katanga

            While there are some who experience issues with what caused the status-quo, there has been a special committee appointed to collect and explore new ideas on ways to reframe the ATC-Metro constitution. The committee has concluded its assignment, in-spite of budgetary constraints. These intellectuals have contemplated and successful amended an important document that will guide its members, mostly Tanzanians who now live in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas (also known as the DMV). This group has pleaded with the public to aggressively apply for the forthcoming April 15^th 2012 constitutional stamp of approval and general election, in with hope of filling its executive vacancies.

            There is no doubt, that some of us remain enthusiastically neutral to the idea of ATC-Metro’s cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mostly because of its past footprints. Some think they are able to handle things on their own, while there are a few, whose main concern is; how would this idea connect with their everyday lives. This is why the next meeting will be a pivotal point for those of us, with a membership dream, which must fully participate. If we continue to reluctantly remain passive to positive responses with this legitimate democratic process, then, to my opinion, our actions will be considered a concession to the reality.

            Having a magnificent diplomatic figure in the vicinity, her Excellency ambassador Maajar appears to be wishful thinking to our fellow Diasporas around the globe. It is caracal political miscalculation not to unclench our fists whenever she extends her hand reaching in for help. It doesn’t get better than publicizing her own cell phone number for anyone in need and scheduling Tuesdays for those wish to meet her face to face. ATC- Metro could be the best bandwagon to collectively go along with her and her friendly embassy officials. I couldn’t agree more with Mohamed Matope’s acknowledgement earlier on this blog.

 As we have recently seen an influx of investors among ourselves, willing to take risks, the ATC- Metro and embassy collaboration may be a powerful asset to invigorating all of the above options in partnership for investment procurement. The collaborative approach may go above and beyond, opening up a new window of opportunities in broadening entrepreneurship, instead of relying to individualism, our negligible purchasing power, and Vijimambo blog’s anniversaries, which by the way, have been very successful.

            It is not my desire to disgracefully amplify a character assassination against members of the past ATC- Metro’s administration. They did the best with what they could, without appearance of their names in any payroll. They deserve our full respect, just as we always do to their predecessors. However, the incoming ones should use past missteps, not only transforming themselves from shoe shinning to hand shaking with the president, but also cruising an extra mile to brightening the fizzled depiction of the past cinematic mystery.

The new administration doesn’t require thinkers with rocket science authenticity, according to the amended constitution, but ordinary men and women willing to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of others. In response, members shouldn’t shade the lights by remaining sidelining cheer leaders. Instead, we should responsibly get into the game by offering the full support they may need. That being said, we should be able to pay our membership dues in a timely manner, despite the sluggish economy and skyrocketing gas price. No matter what may set us apart, at the end of the day, we are all Tanzanians living in a foreign country.

Happy Easter y’all!