Sometimes, we focus so much on the task in front of us, that we forget to be sensitive and inclusive of members in our community. Recently, a neighbor that I have known for many years informed me that the reason she and some other neighbors had not been involved in BACA activities as there seems to be more of a focus on home owners and not being inclusive of our neighbors that are renters or that reside at the cooperative.
This make me think and reconsider some of the way we communicate and get our message out. It also made me think of how our neighborhood has changed and the diversity in our community. With change, new neighbors, new cultures and new ideas, the need to build bridges among all members of our community will be essential. I don’t think that you have to be a home owner to be a good neighbor (I am sure we all have known a home owner that was a horrible neighbor).
Diversity can be a beautiful thing and something that enriches our lives. Getting to know and understand each other may bring some challenges. I think we have a great opportunity in front of us to engage each other and learn to know each other, understand each other, agree to disagree on some things and to work together on the things we agree on.
Would it not be nice to have a Fall event to focus on the history of our city, our neighborhood, and each others cultures? I recently had a great opportunity to visit with some neighbors that reside on Islamic Way and to visit the Masque; I can tell you that was an enriching life experience.
So how do we learn to live together, respect each other and build a multi-racial, multi-cultural and exceptional community?
Geovani A. Bonilla
Bates Area Civic Association 