You can sit pretty under a gazebo and watch the action from afar. Or, you can jump in and help. I'm talking about being helpful, providing assistance, volunteering.
When we moved here, I was very much interested in helping at the local schools. I volunteered as a tutor in SMART, and as a member of various committees.
Then, I ran for the school board. I have served as chair and vice chair for a total of six years so far. The job is never dull. The problems we face are real and important. Especially now. Looking at how public schools have seen their budget shrink, how classes are getting more crowded, how valuable programs are being eliminated, is enough to make us all scream.
Two of my three adult children are in education. I hear their stories and compare them to those in this community. Nobody is excluded from budget woes. When we hear about states controlling employees' rights to unionize, the problem is not just fiscal. The problem is philosophical.
I'm remaining active in my community by sharing what I know; but, more importantly, I'm remaining active in a political sense too. We all should stay involved in the services and the budgets of our communities, understand its main issues, and be part of the conversation at all stages.
How about you? How are you staying involved?
14 comments:
I love that gorgeous picture!
We do need to be informed, especially so we can vote wisely, for one thing. And we should use our knowledge to help where we can. I applaud your efforts. You're wonderful!
I've been asked to help develop a new curriculum for the international students studying English at the University in our town. We want to go for accreditation. That should keep me busy, involved and challenged. In a way, I can't wait to get going on it.
I've retired, but this will keep me involved.
i am glad you use your voice...too many do not...i help with art 2 days a week at our school since the arts were cut in half last year...not sure what the coming year will bring...
I help at the micro level, Rosaria, in my job and beyond but lately most of my extra energy goes into my ailing mother.
I think it is very good to stay involved, either by voluntary work or paid part time work.
As well as a part time job, I look after grandchildren, go to a choir and church and have many interests.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
what you do is wonderful and rightful. i wonder if when my children grow i will become more involved. i once was and now my time seems to go to them and their friends. this weekend we're going to a cabin in the woods. i'm intent on growing good times.
xo
erin
Being a woman of a certain age gives me two important assets: time and experience to draw from. I had no time when I was a working mom; I squeezed a hair appointment here, a dentist visit there. I read the papers on Sunday, in bed, the only time that I carved for myself. The rest of the time, I was a mom, a wife, a working professional with long hours.
I didn't know my neighbors much. I didn't keep too many friends either. I was interested in things, but couldn't spare a minute.
Ann, Retired English Teacher,isn't it lovely to be able to put the time in the things we love?
Brian, had I been in your job, I would sleep with any extra time I had. Too, too, stressful!
Elizabeth, same with you!
Maggie, I frankly don't know how you do all the things you do!
Erin, find the time to enjoy your moments now.
They don't return. Kids are only kids now.
Sadly I am in the gazebo cheering all of you on. I do pay attention to politics and let my represenatives know how I feel but that is about it. I am so glad there are people like you in the trenches.
I am doing volunteer gardening...at the senior center in town and anywhere else I am needed. I also get volunteered a lot by my daughter to help with her three children! I used to volunteer quite a bit at the schools.
Back in my beloved Laurentians I was involved a lot. Since moving to the big city I have not been involved. Too big and impersonal.
I'm as involved as I can be and still work. I'd like to do more when that happens but for a while I think I'd just like to SIT!
Strangely, no, I'm not staying involved. I have reasons I need to understand better, but they have to do with my former work, my location, my physical condition, and a few other things that begin to sound more like excuses than reasons, even to me.
Good for you. May it benefit children.
Congratulations on being elected. Unfortunately, I, like others, would be in the gazebo. I'm tired and just want to be able to rest and go do the things that give ME joy for a change. I don't want to have to put on a fake smile, listen to someone else complain, etc., etc. In December, I'm going fishing and I may like it so much that I'm not coming back. Dreamin........
Nice blog Rosaria! It's actually time to reinvent myself too. Thank you for the invaluable reminder to stand up and do something for others. We have been thinking of only of ourselves too long. I want to know the joy of involvement and community now. Cheers!
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