We love that you love CoolPeopleCare. But we want to ultimately push you to get off your computer, out of your house, and into the world of social action. Why not start with attending a local event, meeting your neighbors, or having your voice heard?

I had the chance recently to take part in a series of meetings about making the city where I live a better place. In Nashville, an initiative has been going on for the last few weeks to solicit input from residents about the future of the city. What needs changing? What needs to get better? What needs to stop? What needs to begin?

Meetings like this are fun for me. I'm an outgoing guy, so I love to meet other people. I like to learn where people come from, what makes them want to get out of their house enough to come to an hour and a half meeting on a weeknight, and I like to hear their ideas.

I'm a guy who thrives on possibility. I love big pictures and huge ideas. I have to have dreams in order to make it through each day. And I love sharing my dreams with others doing the same. I've found that lots of community meetings that are working to improve situations are often dream-sessions where anyone can take part.

Some ideas that emerged from our meetings were things like:

• Redefining what 'affordable housing' is
  
• New modes of transportation
  
• A college access center to help high school students with the college application process
  
• Green schools
  
• Better promotion of tourist opportunities
  
• More attention paid to diversity in business

And on and on. It really is amazing what can happen when people sit down and just start dreaming. And when these dreams are shared, it is like fuel is being poured on one big creative fire.

And it's beautiful. And the community is better for it.

Where in your area can you go to dream? Who can you share these dreams with? Other concerned citizens? Elected officials? Your neighbors? Find a local meeting to attend that makes your community a better place.

Like we say on our about page as we quote Robert Greenleaf: Not much happens without a dream.

1 others have done this "5 minutes of caring" To date, you've cared for 0 minutes on CoolPeopleCare.org

Post a comment

You must be a registered user to post comments.
Log in or create an account.

Ingredients:

• Open mind
• Voice
• Thoughts
• Opinions
• Dreams

Caring Time:

• 90 Minutes

Cost:

• Free!

Results:

• Improved community
• New friends
• Bright ideas