Transform Our Communities

My community work has proven time and time again the truism of the adage, “it takes a village to raise a child.” From another angle, “nobody is an island”. And ironically, in this day in age of rampant distrust – of faltering political leadership, of “bad people” who might want to do us harm – this piece of wisdom needs to shine. I believe that the “village” concept can be the foundation of a movement to transform our communities and our society to one where we can band together in trust and to challenge social injustices.

I know that there are many reasons for a wise person to glance over his shoulder, furrow a skeptical brow at mere rhetoric, double-lock his front door and avoid eye-contact with strangers. I don’t claim to be naïve about that and know that there are many things over which we have no control and therefore must be cautious. But I refuse to accept that gone are the days of trusting others to watch out for us, the days when we could assume that people are doing good for each other for good’s sake and not for personal gain. I believe that community can be revived and fostered, and that this renewed trust can be the basis for efforts to defend each other from harm.

It starts in our own homes and how we treat the ones who are closest to us. Show graciousness and kindness to those who put up with us. Then, over time, allow this graciousness to overflow outside our home, to our neighbors, our co-workers, even strangers on the streets. (Ever smiled at a grim-looking passer-by and watch their face light up?)

Social injustices abound, but they don’t have to. They can be challenged, opposed by those who will not tolerate them. The community can stand up for the rights of the alienated, the down-trodden, the disadvantaged. I believe that community can make a difference. We can move towards fostering a good neighborhood by being good neighbors ourselves.