Unleash the Power of Your Neighborhood

 

Elections always have consequences. 

With so much change on the horizon, I have been reading Richard C. Harwood’s book, “Unleashed,” and thinking about how it applies to our communities and our neighborhoods.

How do we bring people together when our society is breaking apart? What will it take to bridge our divides, overcome mistrust, and restore our belief that we can get things done together as Americans? 

How do we bring out the best in us? 

In the forward, Harwood gives us a new and inspiring blueprint to rediscover what we share and actively build upon it. As a trusted civic voice, Harwood argues that to get the country moving in the right direction these efforts must start in our local communities.

Harwood shows us how to reach within and beyond ourselves to address our shared challenges and create more purpose and meaning in our lives.

First, we must be part of something larger than ourselves and make a difference in our communities. 

This could be as simple as being an active member of an active and engaged church. In addition, there are other ways to grow a sense of involvement with something larger than ourselves. Most commonly, this means active involvement in a non-profit or charitable organization. Our communities have plenty of these, all of which need your help.

Second, we should refocus on the desire for good in each other. 

Leadership coach John Maxwell expresses this idea this way: Every time we meet or work with someone, we assign them a rank based on first impressions and experiences. Maybe that rank is a 2 out of 10. The problem is that rank is almost always self-fulling because we see and believe what we want about others. Next time you meet someone new or work with someone you have known for years, assign them the number 10. Have that level of expectation and belief in them. See them in a new way. See the good in each other.

Third, we must unleash a greater sense of shared responsibility. 

Too often, we say, “That is their problem.” We do this to excuse ourselves from being involved. But, if you live in a community, those problems eventually impact everyone. Our shared sense of responsibility is America’s secret weapon. It relates to our ability to work together, create solutions, and share ownership in the outcome and our governance. 

Fourth, we must find the courage and humility to try this path. 

We must make a choice to become an engaged neighbor who is involved in the lives of our neighbors, in the good of our neighborhood, and in the civic needs of our community. This takes courage and humility. The courage to do what is right even when it is not popular. But also, it is humility to know we only have some of the answers ourselves.

So, this Spring, do more than just vote. Also make the choice to get involved.

###

Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.