Community Involvement Changes the World

Article originally published on Thoughts On Quotes.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist, Margaret Mead books//

Every citizen's opinion matters, and every individual has the ability to change their world by getting involved in the things that influence it. We live in a day and time in which community involvement seems largely to be left to the retirement generation. Young adults and middle-aged people are busy socializing, starting families, climbing the corporate ladder, starting businesses and commuting to work. There are a hundred reasons why community involvement or volunteerism is not at the top of the list for most of these people, and as a result, charitable organizations and local government commissions and bodies are suffering from a lack of diversity and, oftentimes, struggle to even stay afloat or fill seats. These organizations and positions, though, have a tremendous impact on our daily lives, and involvement in them does afford the opportunity to positively influence quality of life, taxes and strategic directions of communities. The lack of time, or worse the apathy, of the majority of people as it pertains to getting involved fuels the perception that one person, or as Mead says a small group, can do anything to make a difference. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, throughout American and World history, small groups of "committed" people have banded together to sway the masses or shift policies for the good or bad of others. The Huns, Nazis, Black Panthers, Hippies and Founding Fathers were all lead by small groups of fervent believers that wanted to change their world, and they did it by getting involved and influencing the larger community. The world you live in may not be so big, but it's up to you to influence and shape it. If there is an issue important to you, don't just complain about it - do something about it. Get informed and volunteer, seek out an appointment, join a group or organization or run for local office. The world has always been changed by small groups of people who are willing to get involved. Why wait until you retire to be one of those people? Get involved today!