Margaret Mead, the famous anthropologist, once said, ““Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
While there may be other reasons for change, Mead got the first part right. Change generally starts small, and it usually starts with people who are unhappy with the way things are. For example, think back to why we had a Revolution in this country.
In recent months we’ve begun hearing from residents concerned about what they see happening in their community.
Though the numbers aren’t significantly up in terms of arrests or other indicators, they wonder if drug use is becoming more prevalent, or at least more visible. They note a continual inflow of vagrants and transients. Some voice concerns about a perceived breakdown of societal values of decency and respect.
We get it. Here in downtown Sweet Home, we have a front-seat view of some of effects of unemployment and economic depression that have dogged the community for decades. Anecdotally, at least, it seems like we’ve witnessed some of the behavior that these concerned residents are talking about.
Well, Tuesday, Aug. 5, is a golden opportunity to do something about it.
As we report on page 10 of today’s issue, Sweet Home will celebrate National Night Out with a community block party at Sankey Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
The purpose of National Night Out is to bring together residents and law enforcement officials to increase awareness about local drug- prevention, neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts. This is a chance for local residents to meet others who can help them make a difference, make change.
Unhappy with conditions in your neighborhood, with the petty theft, the suspected drug houses, the obnoxious neighbors? Answers will be found here. Want to get your neighbors together to fight problems as a unified whole? Learn how at National Night Out.
Talking about problems only goes so far. The next step is action, and for local folks who want to make change, National Night Out will be a great place to do that.