A
community that believes in itself is able to rise and overcome challenges
through the strength and support of its people. Without a strong sense of civic/community
pride, Plainfield, we will always find ourselves dependent on others to take
care of our needs. If we want cleaner, safer streets and neighborhoods...if we
want support for our local businesses...if we want meaningful educational
opportunities...if we want to lower crime...we need to have a strong sense of civic
pride. We have the power to make these things happen and it is critical to do
so if we are to successfully move our city ahead.
Taking
pride in our community is essential for achieving the quality of life we all
desire. It starts with little things like supporting our local businesses,
being active members of community organizations, sweeping a sidewalk,
beautifying a business, or taking part in crime prevention activities. If
we all take responsibility and do our part, the end result will be an overall
aesthetic and social improvement and increased self-sufficiency.
The
people who are in charge of waste disposal come to our homes a few times per
week to take away what we put out. They try to keep the common areas clean and
they support clean-up efforts as much as possible. Ultimately, however, we are
the ones who make the difference in our neighborhoods. If we all assumed
responsibility for the areas immediately in front of, and adjacent to, our
residences, we would begin to make a huge difference. We must feel a sense of
pride about the area we live in. We can effect change for the better in our
neighborhoods.
If
we nurture civic pride and we take deliberate action to become civic activists,
it will become contagious here in Plainfield. Our neighbors who see us
displaying community pride will want to follow suit, adding to the momentum. If
we keep our city clean and show pride in our neighborhoods and businesses, we
will continue to attract new investment in our City. One small action can lead
to a wave of change. Our property values will increase, crime will decrease,
and our educational system will become better. We will create a community
spirit for volunteerism and responsibility.
Neighbors,
elected officials, religious organizations, and community groups can all play a
role in fostering strong community pride. We must remember that often it is “doing the little things” that make a big difference. Perhaps most
importantly, we must ensure that our children understand that pride in their
community is critical to Plainfield's future vision. It is the future
Plainfield that they will inherit.
We
can display community pride in many ways; Individuals can take responsibility
for the well-being of their neighbors as well as themselves. Maintain
attractive and inviting homes and neighborhoods. Support local businesses.
Support community events. Speak out against littering and vandalism, work to
preserve the historic elements among us. Volunteer to help educate and nurture
our students, and stand firm in the fight against crime.
A
thriving downtown with attractive, inviting storefronts which reflect and
preserve our historic architecture will attract investors and encourage new
development. Our neighborhoods with attractive yards and well maintained homes
exhibiting pride of ownership will send a positive message to potential home
buyers. Well-maintained, clean streets instill a sense of pride, and every one
of us taking responsibility for the education of our young people will support
our village and raise conscious, civic-minded young people.
People
taking responsibility to do "the little things" will make a
difference in the present and future of our community. if we all took
responsibility instead of waiting for someone else to do it for us, the change
would be immediate and striking. At the end of the day, it's Our Plainfield! Let's own it, let's nurture it, let's clean it, and let's unify to take care of
it and preserve it for our children and future generations to come.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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