Monday, September 8, 2008

That’s the Spirit!

In many cases in many small towns, people feel like they need to go with the flow. Often it is their belief that this is what’s happening, and there is nothing I can do about it. Well, for starters that preconceived notion is entirely false. Sure it would be very tough to achieve anything significant as one individual, but as the saying goes “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” Well, what about, “Any community transformation or community revitalization begins with a single idea or conviction.” That, my friends, is where individuals can do their part.

I came across an article in the Dakota Lakota Journal and was struck by the initiative in the community of Oldham. After years of out-migration and the consolidation of their school, they residents of the community, through the Horizon’s Program, were able to voice their opinions and achieve the community transformation that would make their town a better place to live. They accomplished many things including community beautification, the beginning of an Oldham Development Corporation, and a volunteer agreed to open a café/gas station. This is what community is all about. The residents of Oldham pulled together and made the decision to make their world a better place. All I can say is... That’s the Spirit!

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