Being a part of the commons

In my last entry, I excerpted some of author Jay Walljasper’s introductory essay in All That We Share. Jay suggests 51 ways we can become active in commons activities–very doable ideas that can make a difference in your life and the well-being of your community. Here are a few of those suggestions:

> Offer a smile or greeting to people you pass.

> Walk, bike or take transit whenever you can.

> Treat commons spaces as if you own them–tidy things up, pick up trash on streets or in parks.

> Form a group and conduct an inventory of local commons. Publicize and celebrate these spaces and resources with suggestions for how to improve community assets.

> Buy locally as much as possible.

> Write letters to the editor, post on local web sites, call in to talk radio, tell your friends…about the commons.

> Organize a community garden.

> Restore a natural area or beautify a vacant lot.

> Support your local public library.

> Conceive a public art project for your community.

> Launch a commons discussion group or book club with your neighbors, colleagues or at your church, synagogue or temple.

Why am I talking about the commons we share right now? Because so much of what we share as a nation is in jeopardy right now. From Social Security to public broadcasting. These are commonly held resources that we have all paid for and nurtured and taken advantage of–some more, some less.

If you care about our commons, I hope you’ll be active in your community and let your elected representatives know how you feel about sustaining the resources we all share.

What part of our commons is most important to you? (See sample list in previous post for examples of the wide range of social, economic, educational and other resources we share in common.)

Tags: commons