Blogs

In today’s culture the dominant thought seems to be that if we are to count for something we have to be seen and noticed. This not only applies to organizations and activities, but also to individuals. Organizations that do not grab headlines on a continuing basis tend to marginalized in a persons mind, and also by public perception. Many people tend not to "step up to the plate" unless there is some kind of public recognition involved for their efforts. Being noticed is "where it’s at" and little else matters. The problem with that is three fold. First, attention getting schemes many times tend not to be well thought out especially in relation to down the road negative implications. Secondly, they tend to be a flash in the pan so to speak as few positive results stand the test of time. The third problem is that many times the publicity is generated solely for the sake of publicity, and nothing more than that happens.

On the other hand we have significance. Many times unnoticed and most of the time unheralded. Yet, many people year in and year out ply their labors of love either by themselves or through organizational channels for the benefit of others. I would submit to you that this is where the action is. This is what is making a difference for the ages. As heartwarming as this is, it is fast becoming a relic of the past. Today’s society is much more narcissistic than in the past, for whatever reason. Narcissism demands Prominence, leaving the Significance for others, or to fend for itself, if that were possible.

Over the past 139 years the Grange has been pretty much a Significant organization, with a little Prominence thrown in a few times. While the Prominence assisted in membership growth and a bit of clout for legislative goals, it was and is the Significant part of it that matters the most. Members have done the right things for others because it was the right thing to do, as opposed to doing it for Prominence.

Perhaps especially at this time of year it would do all of us some good to take stock on a personal level as well as in relation to the things in which we are involved, and see where we fall in relation to these concepts. I’m sure all of us wish for a better manhood and womanhood, and I trust that the New Year will find all of us taking Significant action to help that to happen.

At this time of year, even amidst of the busy schedules resulting from Christmas preparations and Holiday events, the fact that another year is coming to a close isn't too far beneath the surface, and in a few short days we will most likely be making either major or minor changes in our lives, the very least of which will be to retrain ourselves from writing 2006. For some it is just another day, for others it is a day of recovery, and others still it is a day of reflection and resolution.

 All too often it is just another day.

Many have decided over time that the best New Year's Resolution is: "Not to make any more New Year's Resolutions" as former resolves have crumbled into dust in a very short period of time. Here is some food for thought: Why not make a resolution to "try to make a difference in this world" using whatever phrase comes to your mind. While that in and of itself would be a daunting task, two old sayings come to mind that might help to put it into perspective. The first one: "The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step" and the other: "How do you eat an elephant? -- -- one bite at a time." The idea here is not to start with the whole world, but with where we live. And this need not be a daunting task either. I'm sure that you have heard of the "broken window" theory, which is used by law enforcement and community activists/planners. It simply means that in an area where simple repairs are not made it isn't long before the entire neighborhood is blighted.

Usually when communities face major problems it is because small ones along the way have not been addressed, and small ones are not addressed because more action is required that one or two people can do. At that point everything stops with a shrug. The world begins right where we live and breathe. It is in our best interests to keep small situations from becoming large ones.

There are a number of organizations, the Grange being one of them, that is in business to make this community better. The more participation, the more input the more results. That simple. Confucius is attributed to having said: "Many hands make light work" and in an attempt to apply it here perhaps a good paraphrase would be "many brains make organizations work." In order for any organization to be effective in addressing community problems, insight from its membership is needed. We'd like yours. Consider joining us as the first "single step" you take to improve our community.

Al fine