Regular readers of my blog know how I’ve been struggling with devoting time, effort and energy (TE2) talking about building a sense of community vs. stepping up to the plate (SU2TP) and doing something about it (DSAI).
Although the Close to Home column by Barbara Fisher, coordinator of the Literacy Connection Program at the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, describes a program designed to help students pass the Exit Exam required for high school graduation; it also represents a community building project that could very easily be nurtured in any city anywhere. One clause that jumped out for me was “with the huge response of volunteers, we were able to reach out to …” This program reminded me of our Mentor Me Petaluma project that was initiated at McNear Elementary School and expanded to other sites. It is just one of many examples of citizens being the greatest resource of any community and how it all adds up to strengthening the spirit and sense of community. http://www.mentormepetaluma.org
I hope my focus on certain themes isn’t too repetitious for our regular viewers. There is so much information about local activities that can be shared. I guess this addiction to blogging is my own personal catharsis about Our Petaluma. A recent “Mutts” cartoon strip (5-27-06) by Patrick McDonnell says it all – (1st frame) “BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK.” (Frame #2) “You’re right, Earl.” (Last frame) “That does feel good.” More is needed than just talking the talk, however, as I stated in the lead paragraph. Walking the walk is important to me; so come next week this time, I’ll be talking the talk less, and walking the walk more. Please continue to tune in from time to time to see how the walks are going. Better yet, discover your own area of community interest and SU2TP. There’s plenty of room for anyone who wants to walk the walk.
On Our Radar Screen
Remembering Bill Soberanes at the Petaluma Press Club meeting on June 2nd.
Serving as an Election Poll worker at our local precinct on June 6th.
Starting a second Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course on June 15th.
Initiating NERT, ALERT, and STAR information meetings on June 19th.
Facilitating the Senior Computer Special Interest Group on June 27th.