Here is Local 20/20’s latest column in the Port Townsend Leader, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Thank you PT Leader!
By Suzanne Jones
I once heard a young man say to another young man, “Yeah, Port Townsend has a way of keeping you here.” I had to laugh because, I knew exactly what he meant. Coming from warm, sunny California, it took me a few years to settle in and there were a few times I came close to leaving at the end of February. But I always ended up staying because Port Townsend, besides its beautiful landscapes, is a nice place to live. One important thing that makes it a nice place to live is that most of the people here really care about this community.
How can we continue to create a community that serves the needs of all its citizens and regenerates the best things about itself over the years? As crises continue to raise their heads, how can we become even more resilient in the future (flexible and able to sustain our community no matter what happens)?
One thing, for sure, is that we need to work together to implement innovative ways to create this resiliency. We cannot depend on old ideas in these current times. As David Korten, co-founder of Yes Magazine and author of Change the Story, Change the Future: A Living Economy for a Living Earth suggests, we need to let go of outdated narratives and co-create a new story. We must think more of what we need now to help our community continue to regenerate itself over the next few decades.
For example, we need improved transportation infrastructure (bike paths, transit, carpools, etc.) so we can reduce our automobile emissions. We need a place for everyone to live so that young people can come here to work or stay here instead of moving their talents and energy elsewhere, with housing close to jobs to avoid more transportation. We need healthy, affordable food to keep up our strength and energy.
There are non-profit organizations in town that are addressing these needs: The Community Build Project, The Housing Solutions Network, Bayside Housing, the Local Food Banks and Food Bank Gardens, Jefferson County Master Gardeners, OlyCAP and various Local 20/20 action groups
These groups and organizations are all doing great work and they all need volunteers. Even one morning a week or every other week helps them accomplish their goals of creating a more resilient community.
As we are reminded of how much we love our family and friends this February, let us also remember how much we love our community and consider some ways we can volunteer to keep it regenerating itself.
Suzanne Jones is a local author, musician, artist and teacher of compassionate communication, and has led Local 20/20’s Resiliency of Heart action group.
