Is Your Support Only Lip Service?

I live in a community where almost half of the homes are occupied by “snowbirds” – people who escape their permanent home’s cold winter each year so they can enjoy the warm Florida sun for 3-6 months. The other half live here full time – they greet the neighbors walking their dogs, attend the social events, and volunteer for committee work or even serve on the homeowners’ Board of Directors. The same can’t be said for many of the snowbirds.   

It makes me wonder: do I live in a real community? As we shared last week, “uniting people around a shared vision energizes them to become a community of action.” And a critical step of action is having the necessary support. 

My instincts tell me that if I surveyed the part-timers in my community, their response would be, “Sure, I support the community.” Sure, everyone pays their association dues, yet not much else. And is that enough to sustain a thriving community? Saying you support something versus doing something to demonstrate support are two different things. 

Community is always more powerful when you enlist help. Because when you can inspire others, then effectively rally them into action, you create advocates … champions … promoters … crusaders … boosters. None of these are passive words. Support is not passive.  

I can honestly say I have been active since I moved here two years ago. I volunteered for some projects early on and served on the HOA board this past year. I confess that I came “this close” to resigning for next year – there was too much to do and not enough people to do it. I decried that I didn’t have the time – after all, I’m not retired; I work! And, besides, someone else should step up. When nobody did step up, I couldn’t withdraw. Leaders need to walk their talk – I want to live in a community that cares and that truly supports the neighborhood with their actions.  

Along with a handful of others, I’m committed to setting the example of community support. And, who knows, maybe that will be enough to inspire others – even some snowbirds – in the future.  

This Week: Take a quick inventory of the areas in your life where you have the opportunity to play a role. How are you showing up? If you realize you’ve been passive in your support, what are you willing to shift? By being an active supporter, what will change for you and/or others in that community?