What makes someone care about their neighbors? What makes someone care about their neighborhood?
Toward the end of my career as city manager, I told people that if I could have magically pulled a lever and moved the needle on one thing, it would have been “empathy.” And empathy leads to community ownership.
We tend to treat the things we own differently than the things we rent. Do you put premium gas in a rental car?
At United Way of the Ozarks, we are focused on building “community ownership.” We want every citizen to understand their community, feel like their voice is heard, have empathy toward their neighbors, and be provided opportunities for civic engagement.
Community engagement – acts both large and small – add up to make a real difference in our neighborhoods. I can sit on my couch and complain, or I can work to make things better.
Some of us want to work individually. Others want to work together with others (in a united way) to make a difference in the lives of others. No matter how you prefer to get involved, get involved.
This year, we will host two Day of Caring events – one on June 17 and one in September.
If you, your family and friends, or your neighborhood association would like to get involved and volunteer during one or both of these events, please go to uwozarks.org/day-of-caring to see a list of projects, which should be posted by late-March.
Greg Burris is president and CEO of United Way of the Ozarks.