Community Organizers Shape our World for the Better

Well we’re in the heat of a U.S. election battle and while this isn’t a political website, this is a site that champions the power of community.  So I take great exception to  slams against community organizers.  Sen. Barack Obama’s background as a “community organizer” was maligned during the Republican convention.

Whether you support Sen. Obama and the Democrats or Sen. McCain and the Republicans you might want to consider weighing in on this issue.

As an active mom, church member, PTA member, former town promotion volunteer, and new urbanism champion, I think what I’ve done requires some responsibility.  I think many who have assumed  the role of “community organizer” would be offended by the campaign’s assertion that such a role carries with it  no responsibility.

Unless you do in fact believe in big government control, which I highly oppose, how could you not champion the people who take it upon themselves to respond to issues in the community and to ACT? The Democrats and the Republicans are parties that are both strengthened by the hard work of such people.

The same holds true for the focus of this website. New urbanism communities today are unique and attractive places in our suburbs and cities that thrive on the contribution, creativity and dedication of individuals who want to create inspiring, clean, safe and culturally stimulating communities.

We want communities that support our desires to start our own businesses or secure good employment; nurture strong families and; live a “green” lifestyle.  Most importantly we want all of this to be sustainable.

Without these “community organizers” our new urbanism neighborhoods aren’t sustainable and remain just an idea.  The fact that new urbanism was an idea that became a slow and steady reality over the last 18 years is a testament to the “community organizers” and visionaries in urban planning, architecture, residential construction, sustainable “green” development and grassroots neighborhood advocacy.

So let’s hope we have an election that examines the real issues facing Americans and let’s hope it is done with compassion and respect for the true potential that is within all of us to do what is right for our families, our country and the environment.