Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question is…
How wonderful and inspiring it was to gather together in celebration of this wonderful community we call home. For those who could join to celebrate with us, thank you for coming. And for those not present with us, I want to share a piece of the conversation we started with everyone.
I began with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” What are we doing for those in our neighborhoods and communities who need our help? I pose this for all of us to consider. The most potent force for change is a community that unites together in support of itself, especially in support of its most vulnerable.
We released our annual report for 2017. At its heart, you can see the power of this community. The power of a collective group of caring people who see friends, neighbors, or complete strangers in need and choose to do something to help.
The power of community comes in many forms. It is a neighborhood coming together to be heard and to improve its environment. It is our youth speaking up for each other and speaking out about mental health. It is valuing and including our diverse cultures, colors, orientations, and geographies. It is in the compassion shown for those battling addiction and convening our best resources to help.
Including our community in conversations is just the beginning. We need informed and empowered residents whose voices contribute to an open exchange of ideas. Tell us how you think your Community Foundation is doing. Engage with us to understand our changing community and to rally efforts to address that change. Imagine what might be and then join with us in doing the work to create that vision. Guide us on how you think we can be more impactful toward our county’s greatest issues, today, and in the future.
As I mentioned in my June blog, we will be starting the strategic planning process in July. You can help us by responding to these three questions:
1. What has inspired you to be involved with the Community Foundation?
2. Which causes are important to you?
3. What are the most pressing needs for Lorain County, and how should the Community Foundation be involved in addressing those needs?
You can email your answers to ceo@peoplewhocare.org, send us a postcard, or stop by the office. I am inspired by the goodwill and enthusiasm in every person I meet who works with the Community Foundation in one way or another. This is truly a community that cares. We are blessed to have all of you working with us. And who better than us to come together in support of this great community we call home?