Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 6, 1994 TAG: 9403080008
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: F3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAN WILKINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
First, I was just a plain member. Then I became an active member. And before I knew it I was on the board of directors. And then vice president. And yes, I also landed the job of president.
Since I'm a guy who just can't just say no, I quickly found myself appointed by City Council to serve on the steering committee of the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership, a radical new concept that supported the unheard-of notion that things might just be better if citizens were encouraged to have dialogue with local government officials.
I was having so much fun doing neighborhood stuff that a friend decided I needed to do more and on a larger scale. She nominated me to the board of directors of Neighborhoods, USA, a national organization dedicated to the concerns of America's neighborhoods.
Why share all this not-so-newsworthy data? Because I've done so many neighborhood things, people have decided I must be a neighborhood "expert." I am frequently approached or telephoned by people, many of whom I do not know, who want me to tell them exactly how to fix all the problems in their particular neighborhoods. Now!
And here is where I can begin to connect with the theme of the future of our region.
While the rights to privacy, individuality and diversity, both social and geographic, are desirable and positive virtues of the region in which we live and work, we still share one very common bond. All of us in this valley are neighbors. In one fashion or another, we all live in neighborhoods. Old ones and new ones, large and small ones, organized and disorganized ones. Many of us dwell in urban neighborhoods, while others live in suburban and rural neighborhoods. But regardless of the precise street or address, we're all living here together.
But are we really ``together?'' Not exactly.
If you listen to or read about the many optimistic concepts proposed for our valley and region by the talented and devoted citizens who express them, one can almost lose one's breath by simply imagining the possibilities. And while I am sure that many of the ambitious goals being tossed around can and will be realized, I am absolutely certain that much more can be done if we tackle the future ... together.
And what does it take for us to get it ``together?''
It starts with a cheerful ``Hi!'' ... in our neighborhoods.
As simple as it may seem, I am convinced that the roots of our complex societal maladies are growing ever deeper because of one basic truth: our indifference to one another. People everywhere are growing apart instead of together. I observe daily many individuals who go out of their way to avoid eye contact when passing on the street, in a store, or even at work.
Most of our forefathers did not choose to carry on in such an impolite manner. Back in the ``good ol' days'' people cared more about their neighbors. They knew who they were. And they greeted those neighbors with a friendly ``hello'' whenever they happened to cross paths. They probably did the same for strangers as well.
Those of us who have grown up in the Roanoke area are often quick to inform visitors that we love the place so much because the people here are extremely friendly. Well, I am not so sure anymore. I get around a lot, and I really don't think we currently possess any superior communication qualities to set us apart as being unique among our countrymen.
And herein lies our challenge.
A bright promise for the future of our region can be ever so much brighter if we learn to celebrate the joy of caring. With some small effort we can all re-educate ourselves in the lessons of kindness, laughter and smiles. I take this opportunity to challenge each person who reads this to go out of your way to say ``Hi'' to the first human being you encounter today. And don't go overboard with ``How are you'' or ``Have a nice day.'' Just say "Hello." It will feel real good. So good that you will want to do it again. And again.
I certainly recognize the importance of economic forecasting, smart roads, industrial development, regional cooperation, etc., etc., etc. But we must first acknowledge that all of these things need the support of a human foundation. Friendly people make more progress than those who distrust and dislike their brethren. For proof, just look at what has happened in Eastern Europe.
It costs absolutely nothing in taxpayers' dollars to say, ``Hi.'' So, just do it! The payback will delight you.
Jan Wilkins, a native Roanoker, owns Jan Wilkins Enterprises, a public-relations, marketing and advertising firm.
by CNB