| Ok, Maybe that doesn't look like Laredo....Yet. |
We can undertake this challenge with a masterplan that will cost us nothing more than cooperation, creativity and working as a community. Of course carrying out that plan will take varying resources but that's what the masterplan is for. We'll take the city by districts and form groups, teams, committees or whatever you want to call them and I'll bet you that a lot of intelligent and resourceful people are all around us.
I know Sean Bowlin made a passing reference to downtown needing to clean up it's stores but we need a bigger, better vision (no disrespect to Sean). Maybe not many will respond to this post. That does not mean that this is not a good, solid idea that probably many of you already have thought about in the past. We do not need to wait for our City "leaders" to actually lead, but they might just have to follow.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some leaves to rake. Thanks for reading.
Excellent points made, and it won't take more than a bit of elbow grease. I wonder how Sean Bowlin/AB Barrera are planning to spend their million?
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what Keep Laredo Beautiful tries to do as a nonprofit. Have you been to any of their clean-ups? Usually it is teenage groups, not individuals, who show up. The volunteer spirit in Laredo is weaker than what I have seen in other communities unless you are a youth group going for service hours. It is there but... it is usually the same people over and over.
ReplyDeleteNo, I admit I haven't been and yes I agree that Laredo's volunteer spirit is rather poor. I do have to tell you that I do not hear much about Keep Laredo Beautiful. The last time I heard about them it was when they were doing some sort of garden. I do make it a point to watch the news and read the newspaper and such. SO....I hate to say it but I think Keep Laredo Beautiful is not really getting it's word out enough. I think Lynn Nava (I think that's her name) should reinvigorate the movement. She needs to go on public access and hold some regular shows when they do a project (clean up) and She should also go to the council meetings (since they're televised) and announce what part of the city they'll be working on. Thanks for reading BTB and QF
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should read a few Laredo blogs! Haha - actually, they have events almost every weekend, targeting different groups. KLB is a nonprofit but is also part of the city - weird arrangement. Lynne is a one person office but really gets a bunch of student volunteers, it is the rest of Laredo that doesn't come out. This past weekend was mulching. The nature center is on its way to even housing possible artists and education groups. Not bad for a nonprofit.
ReplyDeleteI can guarantee you haven't heard of 90% of the nonprofits in town. Why? They don't control the media and a call out for volunteers isn't what makes for exciting stories in the paper, TV, radio, etc. Only when you have a huge event does something maybe get covered. She is at city council way more than other nonprofits, though.
Nonprofits make a huge impact in town - hence, the reason to support what they do and make the effort to listen when they have call outs or the events they host. You do a good job of ferreting out info on some stuff, maybe also focusing on those who are trying to make a difference and not a profit should also be a priority for all of our blogs.
I remember there was a list of all the non-profits in Laredo on the City's website (I think). last time I looked for it, I couldn't find it. I stand corrected on KLB and I apologize to Ms. Nava based on what you informed me about. If you know how I can get a list of all non-profits, please let me know. Also, I wouldn't mind highlighting a non-profit and what they do on here. The first step is for ME to get informed. We could even interview them or something (sort of like BTB does). Just as info, I would have to present the interview in text, I'm not as "imposing" or as technical savvy as La Sanbe. Thanks
ReplyDeletePS please let me know of where the latest KLB event was posted so I can get an idea of where to look and maybe I can help publicize those events (even if it helps just a bit).
Don't ever take what I say negatively. That is not my intent. I am all for helping out with programs that don't get much support, yet are busy.
ReplyDeleteAbout the list you are talking about, I think you are referring to the city's 3rd party list of nonprofits that apply for 3rd Party funding. The amount of money given to the nonprofits is a drop in the bucket and is what Gene Belmares called "welfare" for organizations - boo!! They also represent very few of the nonprofits in town.
I don't think there is a comprehensive list of the 501c3 in town, much less of the 501c4s. I tried to start a non-profit coalition a few years ago to share resources (like where to get free stuff or grant info) but I got interrupted by life and no one followed up. Other communities have central places for nonprofits (like a Chamber) but in Laredo there is a training at tamiu and the city's 3rd party process but not much else. We don't even have a centralized place for volunteer matching - just small dots of activity here & there. The city's volunteer services coordinates mandated volunteer service & then there is the Time Bank that does swaps in service as neighbor to neighbor but I dont know of others. If you do, let me know :).
PS: I'll invite you to the next KLB meeting.
The goal is notable and much-needed. Yet you will have to go up against a tide of apathy. For instance, I once heard a person say that littering was OK because this person paid taxes.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean. I've also known people who don't vote: "Nambre-pa que &#%@(*&,! alcavo que todos se tapan con la misma colcha!! Pasate otra Bud Lite."
ReplyDelete