Where are the leaders in our communities??

Well things have really started heating up in Toronto, not only the weather. It looks like it will be a hot summer with all the violence and shooting that is plaguing some of our urban communities.

The fact that we have so much violence is really disturbing. Where are all the leaders in our communities, and why are so many people passive in getting involved to make our communities a safe place to live and work? We need to truly speak up as a group and get serious by holding elected politicians accountable for the promises they make and the positions they hold. Otherwise there is no urgency on their part to do what needs to be done—let’s be honest.

Over the last few weeks I have been to some local community meetings, and I have to say the turnouts have been horrible. It seems that it always takes one or two people to speak up before other people will follow. I guess there are more followers than leaders in our society. The leadership in our communities is lacking severely and we all need to play our part in improving society. It’s our social responsibility. There are so many ways of getting involved in our communities that excuses cannot be made. Participation is required in numerous organizations and grass-roots groups, and there's even the opportunity of starting your own group by taking a positive initiative.

I personally know of friends who are very active in the community. These pace setters have kids, jobs—in some cases two jobs—but are passionate about the community they live in and want the best for everyone. As teachers, parents, coaches and citizens we owe it to the younger generations to show them what it means to be a positive member of your community, through example, such as volunteering in the community we live in. We can’t expect the future generations to know what leadership is if we don’t show them now.

I have decided to hold myself accountable to become more active in my community. A few years back I was very active and involved in many events happening around the city. Once again I feel compelled to play my part in being a leader in my community, and I challenge all of my readers to think of ways they can make their community safer, provide badly needed programs, and create a great place to be proud of.

Remember passivity leads to nothing, but inaction. Let’s not have our too polite, not-wanting-to-offend-anyone Canadian attitude stop us from taking action for the betterment of our community.