"Setting up a club to get things done would be a step in the right direction. Working with the community would help a lot so it is not just the school-aged kids who do things, but the community as a whole. I think that these things would bring our community much closer together. … If everyone in the United States takes pride in their schools, communities, and their country, then this will be the best country ever!!"
Stephanie Tritt, Kiona-Benton High School, Benton City, Washington

"If we could get volunteers to start in another state and keep extending this program, we could have a nation-wide organization of everyone working together. This cooperation and building of trust, and talking about problems, could eliminate some of the irresponsibility of our nation."
Ramona Lazanis, Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington

Diversity is America's strength.

Diversity can be used for good or evil. The trick is to use it to unite rather than divide; to bring diversity to bear on a common goal. The challenge is to come together without sacrificing individual identities.

Parents with young children have little time; older people sometimes have time on their hands. Why not work to establish community areas where older people can watch toddlers, young parents can make repairs and do physical things that are too difficult for the elderly; teens can have someone to talk to and responsibilities to give them a sense of accomplishment and worth?

We heard about one community where older people sit on front porches and in parks once left to drug dealers. Their presence has made the area safe for children once again.

Cambridge, Massachusetts has listening partnerships where adults meet to listen to teens, publish a newsletter and sponsor activities for teens. Fresno, California has TOTT — Turn Onto Teens.

Neighborhood projects

Neighbors might corroborate on home improvement projects--like the old Amish barn raising. They might pool tools, games, toys, children's clothing, books, information and might buy all kinds of things in bulk to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

Learn about your neighbors. Add their names and phone numbers to your address book. Find out who is retired, who is ill, their occupations, the ages of children, pets, who has what to trade (pick up trucks, snow blowers, video cameras, Halloween costumes, ladders, paint sprayers, garden tools,) Such associations can save money and give participants a sense of community.

Stage block parties--pot lucks, barbecues, parades, carnivals, star gazing evenings connect communities--people share baked goods, flowers, homegrown produce etc.