Opposites

I believe in the possible. Others don’t; they think it can’t be done. There are those who easily pick up community work because it will make things better for others. Of course there are those who feel the opposite and don’t get involved in local projects because they think this is sappy and is mostly unappreciated by the masses.

Some people do good things because it makes them feel better. Yet others don’t do those very same good things because they think it makes them the fool; why should they be the patsy and do something for others and not get paid?

Those who do a lot of volunteer activities understand what I’m saying. Many of us truly feel that our lives will be better if we share our energy, vision, dreams and effort with others working toward the same ends. That’s how community gardening groups get their start. That’s how public plantings get done in small communities where budgets are tight and municipal staffs have much larger tasks to accomplish. Hanging baskets of flowers on light poles and bridges makes beautiful results. So many people view those results and smile. The locals notice them instantly. Visitors may see them, or maybe expect them, but however they register on their minds the flower baskets are part of a welcoming environment. They say ‘we are glad you are here and welcome’!

The same goes for weeding and planting flowers and seasonal leafy plants around memorial signs and municipal building entrances. These investments in beautifying the community are noticed. They soften the edges of a community’s presence and declare ‘welcome’.

Drive through a town and notice the edges of their roadways. Are they crumbling? Littered with refuse? Weedy and generally unkempt? What does this say about the town? Do the people care about their environment? Their appearance? If they do why have they let their community’s image become seedy and untidy? Why haven’t they done something about it? Why hasn't town leadership taken on this task?

What about the arts? Are there small concert series and art exhibits produced for the community? You know the sort of thing, where people gather and share their home grown art as well as performance talents in theater, chorus, orchestra, dance troupe or other recital type events. Some of these events are not amateur but rather professional. Not expensive but easily produced and paid for, at least at break-even. Events that people take their kids to and point to artists and performers as a possible role model for their interests.

Does your town have people dedicated in helping others enjoy these kind of activities? Are there avenues that kids of all ages can follow in determining if these are the kinds of things they are interested in? And what about adults at various age hallmarks who experience a budding artistic urge to pursue? Do they have avenues to travel for self discovery?

Are there writers, poets, non-fiction experts willing to author articles or books on subjects of deep interest to them? And others? Does your community herald such efforts and accomplishments? What has been the response if it does; what kind of community do you think you have if they don’t make these efforts?

Are your boards and commissions well populated with talented people willing to do the public’s work without thanks? Or do these bodies go partially filled year round with town leaders frequently begging people to step forward and be appointed to these public task forces?

Is your PTA active and well formed? Are new members joining and working their way to higher responsibility. Is a strong leader cadre readily formed year after year? Or does your PTA limp along with few volunteers and accomplish very little for the kids and local school?

Are your elections vibrant opportunities of participation and discussion on public issues? Or are they moribund, lackluster polling with 15% voter turnout or less?

Is your town budget balanced? How much public debt does your community have? What percent of the annual budget does public debt represent? Do you know? Do you care?

We know what Hamlet asked: “To be or not to be?” I add: “To get involved or not?”

Ah, that is the question. Do I have the willingness to do the thankless but know the effort is worthwhile for me and others? Can I make these investments of myself in the community while knowing that many others have no clue to the worth of these activities?

Just how vibrant is your town? Am I doing my part? Will doing so encourage others to do the same?

We won’t know unless we try.

Please do.

April 24, 2014