As President Obama recently
remarked, "Change won't come from the top, I would say. Change will come from a
mobilized grass roots."
Whether people are driven by kinship
or self-interest, coalescing the diverse interests of a community is
critical. However, how do you create cohesion with members as diverse as
young children, retirees and successful (and financially challenged) business
people?
With many partners, Bethesda Green
is tapping into this spirit. Simply put, it is an example of a community
coming together to address community issues. At the center is "green,"
but ultimately participants get involved in areas that interest or benefit
them. We have six different working groups - Sustainable Food started
this month - businesses contributing goods and services to the new Bethesda
education/demo center, new outreach groups in both neighborhood associations
and schools, and over 2000 e-newsletter subscribers.
So as Bethesda Green continues to
sow seeds, we look forward to seeing what sprouts in the months ahead.
Speaking of community, we are losing a valuable
member of our team. Environmental Program Coordinator Cindy Powers will be
leaving at the end of March to travel west and then pursue a graduate degree in
environmental design. Cindy has been instrumental in getting our website
running and managing multiple working group programs. Plan to come by and
say goodbye at a farewell party we're planning on March 25, 5:00 - 7:00 at Harp
& Fiddle (4844 Cordell Ave).
Dave Feldman
