People often ask me what it takes to keep a rural community alive. My work in rural development has always lent itself to these types of questions. And while a general formula of what makes a community thrive would be ideal and would make the job a whole lot easier, it is not possible because of the diversity that occurs within and between communities.
Each community is different. Each one has unique attributes and characteristics that make it the community that it is. Each community has a different beginning and each is making a different future. Some communities were located on the rail line for ease of transportation; some have been developed as a result of proximity to an urban centre. Some focus their future development on preserving their history, while others forge ahead with technology-driven advancements.
So while there is no answer to what keeps a community alive, there is one thing that I know for sure.
I am never reminded of this one thing more often than when I am attending events and meeting those that are directly involved in the day-to-day organizing of community functions. These past five weeks, and as a result of my position at the Observer, I seem to be in these situations more often than not.
These weeks have been full of events to attend and people to meet. They range from attending club volleyball practices in Carlyle to seeing the community of Maryfield pull together for a visit from Russ Howard, from two Carlyle schools coming together to combat bullying to an Arcola day care fundraiser. It seems as though I am reminded almost daily of all of the hard work and behind the scenes planning that occurs and is almost never seen directly.
So what keeps a community alive is really quite simple. It is the people that live and work within it. These people, both directly and indirectly involved, make a community what it is. These people are the ones that keep a community alive and who keep it functioning. These people are the ones that ensure the community will be there long into the future and that this 'home' will exist not only for them, but for their great grandchildren.
There are the volunteers that spend countless hours of their time to keep organizations running throughout the years. Those people that work in the rinks to provide a facility for youth and adults to use, the ones that organize the minor ball for the summer, those that dedicate hours to the food bank to ensure that those less fortunate within the community do not go without, those that spend hours organizing bonspiels or fundraising for the curling rink, or those that spend time putting on events that draw people into the community such as the Dickens Festival, Drive For a Cure, Boogiefest and Homespun.
There are the people that have businesses here that strive to meet the needs of the local people. There are the people that make sure they buy within the community instead of buying outside of the community. The ones that buy their stamps at the post office, pick up their groceries at the local stores, and buy their home décor and apparel in their home community. The ones that support their businesses and ensure that they will be here for the long-haul.
There are the individuals that take a moment to open the door for a senior, the ones that attend the festivals and fundraisers within the community, and the ones that volunteer for the service organizations.
These people are what keeps the community alive. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.
So, next time you are out and about, take a look around. Take a moment to recognize the dedication. Give someone a pat on the back and spread a little thanks around. And if you are one of those people that volunteer hours to your community, see a need and do something about it, or simply buy local, recognize that you are a part of what makes your community survive. And without people like you, the community just wouldn't be the same.
