Editorial: Community Involvement Is a Win-Win
By • May 8, 2024 0 433
When was the last time you pitched in to help Georgetown achieve or, better yet, surpass its goals?
This isn’t a trick question, and we don’t mean to send you on a guilt trip. We’re just wondering how to motivate more residents — well beyond the “usual suspects,” on whom we greatly depend — to get involved in our unique and historic community.
Georgetown is rich in neighborhood vitality. But to a large extent, that vitality is supported by the folks who work for and volunteer at our local bounty of nonprofit organizations.
First among equals is the Citizens Association of Georgetown, which just elected new officers and directors. The Georgetowner sends kudos to departing President Tara Sakraida Parker and a warm welcome to new President Paul Williams. At 146 years old, CAG has a variety of programs in which to participate.
And there are opportunities all around town in many groups, such as the Friends of Volta Park … or Rose Park or Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Notably active is Dr. Sachiko Kuno, co-founder of S&R Evermay and Halcyon, who has made a big impact in Georgetown with her own civic strategy, while preserving two landmarks. She will be honored next week by Georgetown Village — a nonprofit that helps its members “safely and securely age in their own community” — which she has supported by providing them space in the Fillmore School.
The Kuno tribute will occur at the residence of Alan and Nancy Taylor Bubes, who have given their time, their home and their money to numerous worthy causes. Last week on the Bubes patio, a longtime Georgetowner, author Kitty Kelley, was interviewed as part of a CAG benefit. The irrepressible Kelley charmed everyone. She, too, is known for her civic commitments — and for giving a million dollars to Biographers International Organization.
Of course, you don’t have to be famous, super-connected or rich to get involved in your community.
The 2014 book “The Psychology of Citizenship and Civic Engagement,” by S. Mark Pancer, examines the profound impact that community connections can have on one’s health and well-being. Writes Pancer: “Being active in a neighborhood association, volunteering with a charitable organization, working for a political party, fighting for social justice on behalf of a marginalized group or singing in a community choir all have positive outcomes.
“Civically involved adults also have greater self-esteem and better personal relationships. Additionally, they have fewer illnesses, lower levels of depression and they even live longer! Studies have shown, for example, that older individuals who volunteer in their community, compared to those who do not, experience a 40-percent to 50-percent reduction in mortality during their senior years.”
By pitching in, in other words, you not only make a better version of your community, you make a better version of you. It’s truly a win-win.
In the next issue, we will print a list to identify the problems and decisions confronting Georgetown today. To help you get involved, we promise to provide information for community-based groups and meetings as best we can through our Monday and Thursday newsletters.
