By Ben Rodgers
Editor
A community is only as great as the people who live in it and the difference they can make.
I am a firm believer that people need to be the change they want to see, and the easiest way to do that is to get involved in your local communities.
If you are reading this, that is a good start. By reading The Press it shows you care about and are more informed on local issues than people who don’t read the paper.
But there is more we can all do to make our communities live up to their full potential and that is to get involved.
The first thing people can do is easier said than done, but make efforts to volunteer or join a group that does good.
Governments, nonprofits that provide social services and other groups are in need of volunteers/members.
If you look at enrollment numbers for clubs like the Lions, Elks, Shriners, or others, you’ll see enrollment numbers aren’t what they used to be 30 years ago.
Groups like these help people in more ways than you can imagine. Make a difference locally by considering membership. You might make some new friends and have a good time improving the lives of others.
If you want to make more of a direct impact in local government, consider volunteering for any number of boards or commissions.
These groups are vital to the success of communities as they are comprised of community members who care.
These commissions could range from parks and recreation, to zoning, to planning. For more information, contact your village office. You might find a board in need of a member.
If you don’t have the time to join a board or commission, consider just attending meetings when you can.
Agendas are posted online and at village halls at least 24 hours in advance. You might just find a topic you care
enough about to make comments to your local elected officials.
This next one is easy enough, but often goes unheralded. Vote.
Government in its most pure form is at the local level. People running the villages make choices on everything from schools, to taxes, to water, to zoning.
If you are ardent about one issue, find the candidate who supports your viewpoint.
If you read The Press, attend meetings and serve on volunteer boards or commissions, you not only would probably already know about the board members, but might even make an excellent one yourself.
Running for local office would be a major commitment, but if you have the time and are passionate, you can make a direct difference.
Also attend village events. Show the community you care by being a part of it.
We try to include events in the paper when we can, but more information can be found on your village’s website.
These are events like movies in the park, kickball games, food truck rallies, farmers markets, local festivals and more.
If you feel so inclined, share these on social media so more people are aware of what is happening locally.
One of the biggest things I hear from people who don’t live here, and sometimes from those who do, is that there is nothing to do in the Green Bay area.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Green Bay area has more than enough to do, and if you volunteer, join an organization or run for office, you can be a part of bringing more into the area.
Be the change you wish to see.
You could end up improving your life and the lives of the people around you.