At the top of the front page since the first of year, we’ve run a header that states: Community, Be the Change, Lead the Change. Maybe you’ve noticed it, maybe not.

I was hoping someone would comment or ask what it meant but so far no one has. The recent tragic events in our communities brings that header even further to the forefront in my mind.

We are all part of our community and it’s up to each of us how much we contribute or participate. We can complain about everything but don’t try to help make any changes. 

Being part of the change doesn’t have to be on a grandiose scale. It can be something small, like voting or joining a committee or just being a good citizen and picking up a piece of litter off the ground in the park or elsewhere.

If you don’t want the government to mandate putting fluoride in your drinking water, then sign the petition. Whether you get country water or not doesn’t matter, just that you are a registered voter. You  never know when you might decide to hook to county water or maybe something might go wrong with your well and it’s a have to do scenario.

We need to get back to looking out for our neighbors as well. Not just reporting suspicious activity at their homes but making sure they are okay from time to time. 

My granny lived way out in the country but there was always someone stopping by to check on her.  It took an effort for some of them as they did not live just down the street. 

Being community minded also means shopping locally as much as is possible and supporting those local businesses in the community. It’s just the right thing to do.

We can make a difference in our community if only by attending governmental meetings to keep up with what’s going on and how your tax dollars are being spent. It’s not just complaining when it affects you or you don’t like something that’s been done. By that time it’s usually too late. You should take a pro-active approach. I know that it’s easy to sometimes think you don’t make a difference because I feel that way myself at times. However, I know that one person can make a huge impact. 

Look at Katie Jones and her Baskets of Joy which is now over 20 years old and it began with someone in the community wanting to do something for children at Easter.

Or look at Melissa Hollis who holds free community events for everyone who wants to attend.

Jimmy Collins at Choice Roofing helps out in many ways throughout the community when there’s a need.

Just recently when the school made an announcement that no student could charge a meal until their bill was paid up, Martha McAfee stepped up and started collecting money. Over $5000 was owed and I think she is close to having the whole amount. 

My point is, it starts with one person wanting to do something and then stepping up to the plate and actually doing it.  Quit complaining about things and start doing. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution. It doesn’t always have to be contributing to something financially either. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, ask Patti at the Chamber about volunteering to help at a local event. There is always something for you to do in the community in one form or another and volunteers are always needed. 

I realize not everyone wants to contribute and that’s okay. But don’t complain about an event or if you aren’t contributing or trying to help make things better.  If you want to get involved, there are plenty of ways to do just that.

When things happen, we can pool resources and work together to help a family in need and offer our support. That’s one great thing about being part of a community — coming together in the face of adversity and tragedy. It’s when we are the strongest as their is strength in unity. 

What have you done for your community lately?

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com