Friday, July 11, 2014

Community

com·mu·ni·ty

  [kuh-myoo-ni-tee] 

1.
a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
2.
a locality inhabited by such a group.
3.
a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually preceded by the ): the business community; the community of scholars.

The definition of community always falls a little flat when I read it.  Yes, community is a group.  Yes, they have common interests. And yes, they usually reside in the same area.  But what the definition is lacking to describe is the power of the community.  The movement that communities can create, the changes communities make, the support they create for their members.  You don't find that in the definition.  

Having and being a member of a community, no matter how big or small comes with great responsibility.  Thriving communities have the ability to decrease violence, boost morale, grow and progress their populations, and be a resource for those in need.  Every member has an obligation to contribute to making their community better.

The Greenhouse Scholars Program is a great example of the power of community.  They help support college-bound students not only financially, but give them resources and mentors to help them succeed as community leaders.  Greenhouse Partners, the marketing firm who developed the program, saw the need for the extra support to low income students, and filled it.

Scholars are chosen for the program based on their strength to overcome obstacles, their ability to exceed expectation, and their potential to lead communities.  72% of scholars are the first member of their families to go to college.  These are students that could have become one of the 89% of low-income college students that don't graduate.  The program gives the Scholars a chance to excel and become better leaders and more compassionate members of their community.

On August 23rd, I will be riding 100 miles with the Venus De Miles women to help raise money for this great foundation.  I can think of no better way to raise money than by riding my bike with a bunch of awesome ladies.  I hope you will join me and create a group, with common interests, all in the same location so we can show our power as a community.



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