It is properly the first business of neighborhood organizations, such as the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, Rosedale-Skinker Improvement Assn., Washington Heights Neighbors, and the Parkview Assn., to deal constructively with problems affecting their domains, but there is a hazard in allowing this to become the only business of such groups. The emphasis at meetings is naturally on what’s wrong and how to fix it. Participating in such meetings can be hard, frustrating work, and it is not surprising that many people would rather let George do it.
Generally people do not eagerly seek offices in these organizations, probably because they know how much time and effort will be involved, but possibly also because the results of this time and effort are cleaner or brighter alleys, better community-police relations, better schools, recreation areas for children, crime prevention education, and so forth — all important and worthy, but hardly likely to get one interviewed by KSD-TV.
The obvious exception is the Art Fair. There is a sort of glamour in being part of such a production.
I believe our organizations should sponsor other “upbeat”, even glamorous, activities in order to stimulate participation in and respect for themselves. I particularly have in mind one, or perhaps several, musical groups, such as small vocal and/or instrumental ensembles. This would provide an outlet for some of our talented residents while their performances outside our neighborhood would make a positive statement about our area.
A dramatic group is another activity I have heard mentioned, and though presenting a play is a more involved procedure, once accomplished, it surely would be Standing Room Only. I can’t imagine anyone here missing it.
Considering the times, I hesitate to say that our organizations need a shot in the arm, but they do need a little mature excitement, especially in the fall and winter months before so much time is taken up in planning for the Art Fair. If you agree and would like to pursue any of these ideas further, please contact me.
Originally published in The Paper, September–October 1973.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1973_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2.
