Column topics audition on a never ending list. A few still linger after more than a year. I’ll get to them (or I won’t maybe). Others hover near the top until the timing is right or I gather the information or interview I seek. This week the first bucket I planned to draw from the well turns out to be the last.
When asked if I would attend the Keep Nebraska Beautiful conference I garnered an agenda a couple days later. The tri-fold had the usual: dates, location, speakers . . . and the theme — Without a sense of caring There can be no sense of community. Well, that’s true, however a conference preview column starter it was not.
Other than occupying a prominent spot on the handouts and KNB website, the theme was not mentioned by organizers or presenters. I wanted to see what other attendees thought of the sentiment in retrospect. Two affiliate directors described why they thought the statement reflects their communities and Nebraska overall.
Vanessa Oceguera, executive director of Keep Columbus Beautiful (KCB), said “I think it’s 100 percent accurate to our entire line of work. We work with and we are people who care as non profits are not the highest paying career out there many of us work for the cause which is making our communities a much better place. We engage individuals that are like minded who want to help and make their community a better place to work and live.”
KCB, like Keep Alliance Beautiful, serves a range of entities in and beyond its namesake. “In Columbus I am super lucky to have the support of our City, County, Chamber, and local organizations,” Oceguera said. “I am fortunate to have great relationships with many businesses, schools, etc to help spread our work and our word. I couldn’t accomplish all that I have if I didn’t have community support.”
From the perspective of a decade as her organization’s executive director, Chris Vail at Keep Keith County Beautiful started by asking “How do we do it local? How do we keep it close to home?” Then added, “If we get involved at a local level we can make a difference. We all want to make a difference and value in efforts we put forth.”
Caring leads to improvement, investment and pride — all hallmarks of a vibrant community. “We are not trying to improve people, we’re trying to improve people’s behavior,” Vail said.
Keep Nebraska Beautiful consists of 20 Keep America Beautiful affiliates. Residents of these towns, cities and counties cared enough to form and support non-profits tasked with the mission of an unquantifiable goal: to keep their neighborhoods and countryside beautiful. There is also comradery and support between affiliates despite different approaches and geography. “We are all connected through our sense of community,” Vail emphasized.
Caring is contagious. Well, so is negativity. A family, neighborhood or town can be known by either label. The very definition of this town’s name hints that we want that community feel. Remember “OpenAlliance,” or “Building the best hometown in America . . .”? Shine a light into the lives of the naysayers you know. A kind word or unexpected visit could make a difference.