Community Spirit, Going, Going...GONE

[Kevin]

On of my many DADBA duties is the following of other organizations. Many that you might be a part in, and help out. Many that you are not a part in. I follow organizational news and talk to organizational leaders across the world. Not only small organizations such as business associations but larger organizations such as MOOSE, VFW...etc with memberships in 50K
and above range.

So my end of the year report. It is just a matter of time at this point. What are my findings? I gather from such talks and emails is that community spirit has been lost, older members are passing away, the hustle and bustle of everyday life nobody has time for such organizations that they can not directly benefit from, members are not concerned about the community they live in, members are concerned about the community, but have no time to help.

It is just a matter of time at this point.. TILL

-That VFW hall or American Legion Hall you pass daily is closed for good.

- The single city Chamber of Commerce or City Business League is closed.

-The church that is at the end of your block is closed because they cannot afford repairs and maintenance on the building.

-The local boy scout and girl scout troop, no longer operates anymore because parents are too busy to get involved.

-Kids community events will be what gang they can join. Because they will listen to some leader, some leader of authority. Either a grownup in a professional organization or the toughest kid on the block who tells them to commit crimes.

-You will go to the hospital in an emergency and their is not enough blood to save your life.

Results
You will see it hit your hometown like a tidal wave. Organizational structure collapses, no one helps each other, everyone has full mentality of doing things that only benefit business or themselves, no one attends city hall meetings, their becomes no voice of the people. The children are not involved in organizations at a early age, they will not be involved at a later time of their lives.

Once the community spirit is lost, there is no longer community.

So what is the conclusion and ways you can help? What is the inspiration here? Get involved more in your community. Look for ways to help others, before helping yourself. If you have kids get them involved in structured community programs where they are taught to help. Help out at charities, go give blood!

Being a good citizen of your community is not hard at this point. All organizations and charities need a helping hand. I do not believe any organizational leader will turn down your help and support. Many organizations might tell you they have a very exclusive membership base and you need to fill out a application. I`ll bet you a dollar to your dime, you will be approved. Every organization needs helping members.

Today! It is easy to be involved in your community and work your way up the ranks to lead the organization. Why? Your the only one that wants the job.

Today you have a new job! To improve the world, starting on your own street. Starting in your own town. Once you start, it will spread and you will not have to look for that community spirit. It will be with you always.

VFW Membership Down

Lack Of Attendance Church Crumbling

Blood Drive Below Target

[danase]

"The church that is at the end of your block is closed because they cannot afford repairs and maintenance on the building. "

That is one that always ticked me off. I am not a religious man and I don;t go to church. But when I do go to a church I can not under stand why they feel the need to have 30 foot ceilings. It's just an added cost to building material cost and cost like heating and cooling.

When I think of the VFW or American Legion I just think of a bunch of drunks sitting around in a smokey bar. In all honesty, what is the purpose of the VFW and AL supposed to be? Just a hang out or where they initially started to give back to the community?

[LeannaBronni]

Are there plans for a DADBA blood drive?

[Laura Wyatt]

Leanna ~ YEP!!! We are looking at Feb or March.... probably closer to March.

[Kevin]

Leanna,
Yes plans for the drive. Were scheduled for after the holiday.

Bob,
These military men and woman that served our country that hang out at American Legion and VFW halls go their to socailize with others that understand the war experience and dedication to country. They go to get away from people like you, who do not understand. You need to drop by there and buy them all a beer and listen for a while.

[danase]

kevin said:

Leanna,
Yes plans for the drive. Were scheduled for after the holiday.

Bob,
These military men and woman that served our country that hang out at American Legion and VFW halls go their to socailize with others that understand the war experience and dedication to country. They go to get away from people like you, who do not understand. You need to drop by there and buy them all a beer and listen for a while.

I know for a fact the VFW allows non military people to join. I know a few of them that go just to have a bar to go to.

And I don;t want people getting pissy with me thinking I don't appreciate what they did. I was simply asking if they had a purpose other than being a hang out.

[Kevin]

Sorry about my last post Bob, might have come across a little harsh. VFW and Americal Legion have programs that benefit veterans along with community events. Non-military are allowed to sign up. The funding goes to veterans programs.

I have been looking into American Legion mainly and am joining the one on Oak st.

[danase]

I had a few uncles that are or used to be members of the Legion on Oak. I know one uncle and my dad are members at the VFW on Ford Avenue in Wyandotte.

[lindapastor]

I believe there are multiple reasons why churches are closing, charitable agencies are losing funding, organizations are fading away. One reason is people are thinking about themselves more than they think of others.

Generally we are no longer a people who think, "what is needed". We are a people who think "what can I get".

Many on this board are younger than me [and Keith] and might not remember president Kennedy when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you...ask what you can do for your country." I was in junior high school when I heard that speech. I have never forgotten it.

I follow several principles for my life, one is to give. I STRONGLY believe that giver's gain.

I also believe this:
BE - abundant, loving, giving
Do - for others first
HAVE - a prosperous life with lots of friends

Blessings,
Linda

[lindapastor]

Kevin,
I know women's groups like the ABWA have charities they support, such as scholarships within the Josephine Brighton Center in Wyandotte--what community programs do the VFW and Moose, etc., have?
How as business people, besides buying raffle tickets and attending special event dinners, can we be helpful to them without joining? Or should membership be a way of support?
(I know that Don Gilleran [father of Jessica, a DADBA member] is a member of the Moose, and he actually works for them as a DJ.)

Blessings,
Linda

[Kevin]

I am not exactly sure, I dropped by yesterday to the Amercian Legion and nobody was there. When I find out the details i`ll post some info.

[Mary Smith]

There are many differences in the way society has fashioned itself today. One of the biggest is the two parent working issue. For many young families all energy is directed toward jobs, kids, and kids activities, not allowing much time for any other organizations. That being said, kids do grow up, and sometimes, I think, people forget about some of these other community organizations. The KofC groups for example are going thru the same thing. It would be great if any of these groups targeted a drive to the "empty nesters". that's where the people with a little bit of time are. Although I do agree with Linda on the selfishness that is out there today.

I do think tho you can use the "selfishness" to your advantage if you are the group looking for volunteers. Stress the fellowship, friendship, good times aspect, and don't put them in charge of something the first time they walk in the door (can you tell been there done that???)