Community Involvement Requires CHANGE!

Community Involvement – Do you have what it takes to initiate a change?

I am writing to you today with a very heavy heart. You see, last night a police officer in my community was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. This is even more disturbing to me as it occurred less than a mile away from my home. While I was reading the newspaper article about it this morning, I couldn’t help but ask myself what can I do to help? I figured that there are probably two different types of people, or better yet, two different reactions to this violent action.

The first reaction deals with those that don’t care and figure if it didn’t directly affect them, they don’t have to worry about it. The second reaction contains anger, action, and worry. These are the people like me who want to make a difference in the community.

I wrote a “Letter to the Editor” this morning in reaction to this horrible pre-Christmas tragedy. I sent a challenge to the community. I wrote about the fact that citizens need to be responsible, honorable, and proactive. I wrote about the citizens “taking back” their community in a law abiding, meaningful, and responsible way…by reporting suspicious, unlawful activity. By not acting like "ostriches."

As I reflect upon the time when I was writing my letter, I realized what I was asking the community to do. I was asking them to CHANGE. That's right, the "C" word. I know that I cannot change the community or the world by myself. I know that change requires “buy-in” and collaboration.

I am sorry to bring you such bad news right before the holidays, but I felt compelled to tell you my story, and hope that the officer’s wife and 3 month old daughter will be in your thoughts this Christmas.

My challenge to you? Be a proactive member of your community and initiate positive change. BE A LEADER! Be the one to initiate positive change in your home, on your street, in your community, in the WORLD! And do it through leading by example.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and may 2007 bring you all good health and much prosperity!


Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.