Love Your Community

I was reading the April 2011 issue of Better Homes and Garden a while back and ran across this article about an inspiring young woman named Majora Carter. I found the article to be insightful, uplifting, and in your face truthful. Majora Carter has made it her life’s mission to find solutions for struggling communities. Her motto, “No one should have to move out of their neighborhood to live in a better one”. She boldly tells us “We are the keys to our own communities’s recovery”. Inspiring isn’t it? Let me repeat that last line “WE are the keys to our own community’s recovery”. Whether your current neighborhood resembles a war zone or just in need of a minor face lift it all starts with us, the people in the neighborhoods. We cannot wait for government funding or for nicer neighbors to move in next door. The key ingredient is getting involved and caring for your community. It’s not someone else’s job to figure out solutions, it’s ours. I told you I found Majora Carter’s article inspiring. This woman saw a problem that needed fixing, and took off running toward them, head on, to figure out solutions. I found myself wanting to be more like this woman. I want to take more of an interest in my community and in my neighbors. After all, my community is my home. I should care deeply about it. Actually, I am a little ashamed that it took an article from a magazine to point that out to me. You know what makes a great neighborhood? It’s not how large the houses are or what kind of cars are parked in the driveways . It’s the people!!! People who are kind, selfless, hardworking, respectful, and joyful... that is what makes a neighborhood grand. People who are willing to pour into others in a loving and committed fashion will make a neighborhood flourish. The question is, are we that kind of person and neighbor? In a struggling economy, I believe the future success of our communities lies with us. Are we willing to start the change? Here are just a few ways you can get started on making a difference in your community. -          Get to know your neighbors invite them to dinner -          Volunteer on community projects -          Create a Community Garden -          Ask local schools how you can help, even if your not a parent -          Host a block party -          Get your church involved -          Shop locally -          Help up keep the local community center -          Take pride in your own home -          Host a community clean up day -          Coach a sports team -          Get Your Church invovled -          Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer -          Connect with community leaders -          Donate (time, funds, supplies)