Community Engagement: What Does It Look Like?

Since the start of this 21^st century, a lot of things have changed and yet a lot of things have remained the same for those living in urban America.  Some would have you believe that things are getting better; this is progress, a step in the right direction, needed reform, long term sustainability and more people are aware of what is available.  Others would counter those views and point to data that shows the underlining crisis in urban America.  In addition, this includes a lack of commitment, inadequate resources, social involvement, and ineffective leadership. 

In a broader sense, progress has come with the evolution of new technologies that has expanded our ability to communicate with family, friends, and other people around the globe at any time.  New mass media platforms and systems have provided a way to see things in real time as they happen.  Advancements in product development has created new jobs to meet the growing demand for goods and services, regardless of where the need exist.  The revamping of transportation systems has made travel easier, to explore cultures and to establish trade agreements.  

On the other hand, many advocates and community organizers see things from an entirely different viewpoint, nothing really has changed at the core; it’s just more of the same, just another spin, and a new coat of paint on an old idea, camouflage, or an updated version of something that did not work in the past.  Additionally, these critics see a widening gap in wealth, housing, health care, education, employment, crime and punishment and poverty.   In addition, they see a great need to keep people connected and engaged in using vital social and community services.  Each day is different; the needs vary, but are real nevertheless.     

In the movie, Forest Gump (played by Tom Hanks), makes this statement, while sitting on a park bench and waiting for a bus “My momma always said, Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you going to get.”  In other words, our tomorrows are a mystery, a new day and because of that, no one really knows what will happen next until we bit into that day. 

How would you rate our level of engagement? ... Are we making progress or are we still in the same place?   Let’s try another piece of chocolate…and see.