Heard in passing

I was just on the phone with Kiva Fisher-Green, and she said along the way, "At the end of the day, it's the people in the community, I believe, that's gonna turn things around."

She hastened to add that people who do not live in the community, but who work in the community in some fashion, can certainly help. But the residents have first and final responsibility for the community.

Just thought I'd share.

What do you think?

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Posted Jun 25 2009, 05:12 PM by Elwin Green

Comments

thatotherperson wrote re: Heard in passing
on Thu, Jun 25 2009 9:43 PM

While I won't go so far as to call it the absolute truth, she makes a very valid point.  Outside efforts will only go so far if residents aren't willing to put energy into making their neighborhood better or different.  The spark may come from outside, but the torch has to be carried by the people who live in the neighborhood everyday.  For me, community-driven efforts are the only way, or at least the most feasible/sensible way for a neighborhood to develop and thrive over the long-run....whether it's crime, housing issues, etc.  

At the risk of sounding like a downer, if the residents don't want it, what's the use?  However, GETTING the residents to pitch in and toss around ideas is part of the struggle too, I suppose.  

Elwin Green wrote re: Heard in passing
on Fri, Jun 26 2009 11:20 AM

Thanks for that response. As soon as I resolve some technical issues, I'll share news about a community-driven effort by residents of Race Street.

Any other thoughts, anyone?