I’m going to share a dream with you. It’s so outrageously hopeful and idealistic that I’ve generally kept it under my hat, but at this point I don’t know if I can hide it any longer. In fact, you might have already guessed it.
My goal is that every single man, woman and child in the Lewis County area become connected and actively involved with at least one local community group, finding a way to work alongside other good folks on projects that are meaningful for them. I think this would transform our corner of the world for the better and would improve the lives of everyone who takes part.
There are plenty of ways to join in. This could be helping run a Little League or youth soccer team. It could be joining with a few neighbors picking up garbage. It could be reading to little kids in a kindergarten near you. It could be a bible study group that helps at the food bank together a couple times a month. It could be trail maintenance, or helping an antique railroad run, or serving on a little-noticed civic board for your city or county. It could be revitalizing your nearest grange hall and organization. You could help with the youth fair or one of the 4-H groups supporting kids with their animals. You could help make your favorite community festival happen.
There are thousands of ways to get involved in hundreds of groups. You don’t even need a formal organization. What’s so important, and what is life-changing for you and your community, is that you’re working with others on a shared vision. You’re getting your hands dirty, perhaps figuratively, although I think actual physical labor on something solid is the most satisfying and soul-enriching. You’ll build friendships as you build up your neighborhood.
If you look around, there is no lack of groups that could use your help. You’ll be surprised at how much of an influence you can have when you get involved, and how much you’ll be appreciated when you show up with fresh energy and vision.
If you need help finding a place to volunteer, try our friends at United Way. They have a portal that connects groups in need with those seeking a place to donate their time and care. It’s at www.lewiscountyuw.com/volunteer-lewis-county.
This week I talked with Scott Potter, secretary of the Mossyrock Area Action League (MAAL), who is one of those people helping keep our communities so wonderful.
If you’ve ever enjoyed the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival, the town’s Fourth of July festival and fireworks, the Freedom Run 5K over Mossyrock Dam or other great events in Mossyrock, you have the MAAL to thank.
Potter said there are even more cool events they could offer — he lists a “Battle of the Bands” or old-fashioned hay rides, and he invites community members to share ideas and energy to make them happen. That same idea is also true for Winlock with Egg Days, for Onalaska with the Apple Harvest Festival, Morton with the Loggers Jubilee and every other community, he said.
“Instead of staying home with nothing to do, watching TV or getting bored, people could come out to hear from our group about what it is we’re trying to do,” he said. “Offer your ideas, your thoughts to the community leaders to make these festivals better.”
MAAL meets on the second Monday of each month at the Mossyrock Community Center. That means its next meeting will be Feb 12.
Blueberries are sweet, and so is our shared life together. Dive in and enjoy the treat!
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If you’re involved with a group and you’d like to share the good work you’re doing or invite others to join you, drop me a line. I’d love to highlight you in Hills and Valleys.
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Along those lines, I’m going to violate my general reluctance to use this column to mention projects with which I’m personally involved.
There is a great opportunity next weekend to dip your toes into community involvement by coming to the annual meeting of the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area. (I’m privileged to serve with others in leading this group.) We’ll be gathering at 11 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Centralia Timberland Library meeting room.
You’ll learn, you’ll connect and you’ll get a chance to join us in hatching plans to enjoy, sustain and share the glories of the century-old woods in Centralia’s Seminary Hill Natural Area.
Along with meeting quality folks who love working together to care for our hillside forest, you’ll also have free cookies and coffee! I hope to see you there.
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Brian Mittge is a community enthusiast. Contact him at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
