Politicians speak all the time about community values, strength of the community, and community responsibilities. Are these just words? Or does the rest of the country really believe in a concept of community? Generally, every human being has an innate respect for the community in which he lives. However, in practice is a different story. A lot of us don’t even know our neighbor’s last names (if we know their first names).
A healthy community can contribute a great deal to individual, family and community success. A community, like those of very old African and Asian cultures, benefits the individual by sharing the individual’s responsibilities and commitments. A helping hand relieves stress and opens the door for more time to pursue other goals. If each mother on a single block agreed to take one another’s children one night a week, once a week, you save money on child sister’s and you get an extra day out of the week to focus on something that does not involve the children. Your neighbors benefit from the same generosity. Each member of the community protects the others’ property and families from predators, burglaries, and vandalism.
We live in a busy world. Well, at least that’s what we are constantly told. So, we are continuously moving to accomplish something. Most of the time, we are not even sure what we are trying to accomplish. We are constantly moving because that’s what we’ve been taught and trained to do. To what end?
The ethical standards of the businesses in the community all so play apart on the perception of the community from its members and its visitors. If companies within the community hold themselves to a higher standard of providing service, then the members in the community will expect this level of service from other companies. The analysts and economists call this a healthy and competitive private economy.
What if there is no immediate monetary value from the company putting its efforts back into the community? Then it is up to the company leaders and executives to promote community awareness amongst their employees.
Think of ways that you can benefit by knowing others in your community. Think of ways that others in your community can benefit from knowing you. This will also open your mind to possibilities of a strong community.