First National Bank of Michigan’s Post

As I get older, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be part of a community. Kelly & I feel fortunate to live in a place actively working towards interconnectedness. In my 20s, we spent most of our time grinding and building our business. However, as we have aged, I've tried to broaden my horizons and become more civically involved. We need more young people actively participating in shaping the direction of our communities. Here are five ideas: -Get involved in local school board or city council races. Depending on your state, impacting federal races may be challenging. Engaging in these local elections not only allows you to contribute to your community's direction but also provides an opportunity to advocate for educational and policy changes that directly impact residents. Attend town hall meetings, engage in discussions, and encourage others to participate in shaping the future of your locality. -Join a non-profit board. Many of these organizations are engaged in challenging and sometimes thankless work. They require cheerleaders to support and uplift them. You can find a cause you care about and get involved. -Start or join a service organization like Rotary/Kiwanis. Connect with other community members who are actively contributing to the well-being of your city. You'll meet wonderful people through these organizations. -Deliberately expand your social circles.  Actively seeking friendships outside your usual social circles introduces you to diverse perspectives and experiences. Attend community events, join interest groups, and be open to connecting with individuals from different backgrounds. Embracing diversity enriches your life and enhances the overall fabric of your community. -Become a mentor. This experience opened my eyes to the advantages I received simply by being born to my parents. You cannot underestimate your positive impact on someone with your wisdom and connections. You will also learn more about life from their unique background and challenges. What else would you add to this list?

"Communities are not built of friends, or of groups within similar styles and tastes, or even of people who like and understand each other. They are built of people who feel they are part of something that is bigger than themselves: a shared goal or enterprise, like righting a wrong, or building a road, or raising children, or living honorably, or worshiping God. To build community requires only the ability to see value in others: to look at them and see a potential partner in one's enterprise.”~Suzanne Goldsmith. That's for my community builder friends: I just thought you'd appreciate that one. *Added a few thoughts after sleeping on it: Are we translating or are we building access bridges? Are we merely making money or enabling the funding of opportunities? Are we directing/managing people or helping them thrive? Are we merely speaking or are we clarifying and avoiding confusion? #localization #community

Community engagement is vital for church growth. According to some studies, 96% of church growth comes through transfer memberships. It's vital to engage with our communities to push back the darkness. Two ways to engage the community: Involvement in local schools - our children's and student ministires are involved in some way weekly in 15+ schools. We regularly connect with those who are unchurched. We serve and show the love of Christ. Find ways to serve your public schools and they ask you to be further involved. Sports - 92% of children by the age of 12 will play some sort of sport. If your church doesn't do recreation then get involved in the local recreation department and use that as a platform for the gospel. Find creative ways to get outside the walls of the church and get involved with those you are trying to reach. Consistent community engagement with the gospel will lead to salvations and ultimately church growth apart from transfer membership. #CommunityEngagement #ChurchGrowth

A community without positive resources is vulnerable to various dangers innate to that environment. If the environment is systematically unstable-everything in it will be unstable without proper resource support. This means community organizations- non profits- good hospitals- schools- police departments-after school programs etc.

Do you tell your child to express their feelings? Let the children see adults expressing their feelings without blaming, complaining and judging. Do you tell your child it is ok to be vulnerable? Make them feel that adults had similar challenges during their childhood which they are facing now. Do you tell your child to take a pause? Let them witness the adults pause to reflect rather than escape reality. Do you tell your child to interact with outsiders? Let them see the adults volunteering for community service. Do you tell your children to appreciate themselves for their efforts? Let the children witness adults appreciating their efforts instead of reacting to the outcome. Do you tell your child to prioritise SELF? Let children see adults prioritise what is in their control. Do you tell your child about minimalism rather than talking about spending less and earning more? Let the children see adult's understanding of needs and wants. Do you tell your child to create boundaries? Let the children see adults not take others for granted and respect their autonomy.

Community isn't just about being together; it's about supporting each other to achieve more than we could alone. In a world that emphasizes independence, remember the strength found in interdependence. Whether it's lending an ear, sharing resources, or offering encouragement, every act of support weaves a stronger fabric of community. Let's cherish and nurture these bonds that uplift and empower us all. Who has been your pillar of support recently? Tag them below to say thank you and let them know they're appreciated! 💖 #CommunityStrength #SupportSystem

Community isn't just about being together; it's about supporting each other to achieve more than we could alone. In a world that emphasizes independence, remember the strength found in interdependence. Whether it's lending an ear, sharing resources, or offering encouragement, every act of support weaves a stronger fabric of community. Let's cherish and nurture these bonds that uplift and empower us all. Who has been your pillar of support recently? Tag them below to say thank you and let them know they're appreciated! 💖 #CommunityStrength #SupportSystem

Let's dream together and then make your dreams come true. Create your life by your design and the freedom within that to work from home, the beach, the sidelines of your children's spoets match...where ever...as much or as little as suits your dreams. You might find your dreams take some "funding." Diversify your streams of income or create a new one! Create legacy wealth to provide for a college education, a new house...you decide. Or create fun money for pedicures, dinner out or create just a little extra to make ends meet at the grocery store. You get to decide, it's your dream! But... if you are dreaming of anything like this, and you would like support building your dream alomgside a community of the most wonderful people, then send me a DM or comment below and consider having a quick chat with me about your dreams and how you can make them a reality!

Empowering the next generation with impactful results. Our youth programs have made a difference in thousands of lives over our 30+ year history of community involvement. Learn more about how you can get involved at YouthImpactOgden.org #EmpoweringYouth #YouthImpact #DonateToday #YouthImpactOgden #YouthPrograms #FutureLeaders #UtahNonprofit

Community giving has always been an important thread in the fabric of who DRMP is as a company. If giving back is important to your identity, come join us! https://ow.ly/5RFC50PIQKu #DRMPDifference #BuildWithDRMP #PeopleFirst