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What does it take to build a stronger, more inclusive community?
For one, it takes generosity. In the past year, our community has generously supported our efforts to build and advocate for a community that includes people with developmental disabilities and their families as respected, valued, and contributing members. From attending our sold-out community events to donating needed picnic tables at record speed, from sponsoring our signature fundraisers to sponsoring children and families for our year-end holiday drive and more, community members and businesses have proven their commitment to contributing time, talent, and dollars in support of our work.
A strong and inclusive community also needs kindness.
I have found that kindness is the easiest and most effective way to create the human connections that define a community – and kindness costs nothing. As 2023 ends, I encourage you to nurture kindness in your community. Here are a few ideas:
- When you pass someone on the street, smile and say, ‘Hello’
- Get to know someone with or without a disability who is different from yourself
- Make an effort to help people at events and community groups feel welcome
- Learn about what other people are going through to better understand their perspective
- Remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity
A sense of community relies on empathy, compassion, and shared effort toward the safe, dignified, and fulfilling lives we all want to live. Isolation, loneliness, and exclusion are preventable social issues that affect us all. Nurturing kindness can help us build the connections that reduce isolation and create the sense of belonging we all need to thrive as respected, included, and contributing community members.
It takes a village.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Willett
Executive Director
Community Living Huntsville
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