Alan’s TTIM Stories #47

“The work of community, love, reconciliation, restoration is the work we cannot leave up to politicians. This is work we are all called to do.”
Shane Claiborne

After an excruciating campaign season comes the question: What can we do now? What constitutes a healthy community?

“Think Global, Act Local” is a 1915 quote from Patrick Geedes, a Scottish urban planner and conservationist.

The nation recently decided who should control our interests globally. The question – what can the average American control? Let’s act locally. We can build a successful community where we are to benefit every neighbor.

What are the attributes that strengthen a community?

• Access to public transportation and adequate parking spaces
• Accessibility to safe schools
• Availability of fresh food
• A variety of merchants
• Medical services
• Good public services: water, electric/gas, sewer, roads and streets
• Local employment opportunities
• An abundance of recreation facilities and green space
• Superior government services including fire, police, EMT, social services
• Participation in civic, religious, or common-interest organizations
• Nonprofits presence
• Variety of housing options

How does your community compare to the above list? Take an inventory of your neighborhood to find lacking attributes. Fill the gaps by working with local government, chambers of commerce/business associations, and other local organizations.  

My attributes of a community are:

• Affirmation – A healthy community considers the worth and well-being of the individual
• Security – free from fear and enjoy economic stability
• Altruism – acting for the benefit of others

Satisfying the overwhelming needs of a nation can start in your neighborhood:

• Purchase locally, patronize small businesses
• Take care of your own including family and property
• Be aware of needs of your neighbors
• Donate to causes that benefit your community
• Support education
• Volunteer – there are enough worthy causes
• Remember empathy and respect

A perfect example of community is the enthusiasm response by Amy Shea, President of the Rotary Club of Catonsville to an information request:

“In today’s hectic world, one’s community becomes increasingly more important to foster a sense of belonging. With scattered familial connections and the advent of teleworking, creating and nurturing strong community connections have become increasingly more important to connect people through shared experiences; creating supportive networks;  alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation; and working together to make positive impacts on the community.

The Rotary Club of Catonsville, incorporating Rotary International’s tenets as its foundation,  is a non-partisan, non-religious organization whose goals encompass serving the community; promoting integrity, peace, and goodwill; and creating overall benefit to all concerned. Through Frosty Golf, the Club’s primary fundraiser,  Rotary International grants, and member support, the Club has supported several non-profits across Catonsville and in the surrounding areas.

The Club engages in a variety of service projects such as monthly outdoor clean-ups at the Benjamin Banneker Historical & Museum, sponsoring pizza nights at the Westside Men’s Shelter, purchasing bike racks and fix-it stations for community use; and providing  diaper bags for new mothers. The Club exemplifies the power and impact  that service has in creating strong community bonds and impact, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Catonsville and the surrounding communities.”

Second example:
Young people deserve a safe home. I spend hours volunteering for an organization that provides program and services for out-of-home placement youth from 13 to 20 years of age. Residents receive housing, meals, mental health services, plus arts and recreation programs. I work from home assisting in fundraising and marketing plus occasional assistance with on-site special events. Other opportunities include mentoring, light maintenance, and landscaping. A wide variety of skills are needed to accomplish the mission. Success is measured by young adults becoming independent and productive members of society.

It’s time to embrace the overall message of community – let’s take care of each other. Healthy fellowship for the common good describes the country we should have, whether deserved or not.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25:40

Sources:
Rotary Club of Catonsville
Penn State Extension Service
Brainy Quotes
Wikipedia

Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.