Dear Jazz,
A community that believes in itself can rise and overcome challenges through the strength and support of its people. Without a strong sense of civic pride in Plainfield, we will always depend on others to care for our needs. If we want cleaner, safer streets, and neighborhoods, if we want a thriving local economy, if we want meaningful educational opportunities and to lower crime, we can all actively play a part in making it happen.
Taking pride in our community is essential for achieving our desired quality of life. It starts with little things like supporting our local businesses, being active members of community organizations, sweeping a sidewalk, beautifying a business, or participating in crime prevention activities. The result will be an overall esthetic and social improvement and increased self-sufficiency.
If we nurture civic pride and deliberately become civic activists, it will become contagious here in Plainfield. Our neighbors who see us displaying community pride will want to follow suit, adding to the momentum. If we keep our City clean and show our pride in our neighborhoods and businesses, we will continue to attract new investment in our City. One small action can lead to a wave of change. Our property values will continue to rise, crime will decrease, and we’ll create a community spirit for volunteerism and responsibility.
Active civic pride undoubtedly discourages litter, graffiti, and criminal activity and increases the property values of homes and businesses.
Neighbors, elected officials, religious organizations, and community groups can all play a role in fostering great civic pride. We must remember that it is often doing the little things that make a big difference. Perhaps most importantly, we must ensure that our children understand that pride in their community is critical to Plainfield’s future vision. The future Plainfield that they will inherit.
The #LovePlainfield movement is grounded in civic pride. It’s rooted in the belief that Plainfielders love their City and are proud to call it home. The fundamental tenet of #LovePlainfield is that if you love your City, you’ll be proud to play your part to keep it clean, beautify it, support its economy, preserve its quality of life, showcase its arts and culture, and generally support and promote all things Plainfield.
Our Vision to #LovePlainfield is to see Civic Pride Displayed in Our Community by:
· Individuals taking responsibility for the well-being of their neighbors as well as themselves
· Contributing to neighborhoods that are well-maintained, attractive, and inviting for children and families
· Patronizing local businesses that support, and are supported by, our residents
· Increasing participation in community events, such as festivals, school functions, service clubs, churches, chambers of commerce, etc.
· Citizens discouraging litter, graffiti, vandalism
· Preservation of our local historical sites/scenic areas
· Volunteers serving to help educate our students
What We Will See as a Result
· A thriving downtown with attractive, inviting storefronts
· Residential neighborhoods with attractive yards and well-maintained homes exhibiting pride of ownership
· People working together to help others and to keep our community inviting and prosperous
· Well-maintained streets and greenery
· Persons taking responsibility for the education of our youth
· Feeling safe at all times and in all parts of our City
· Our community enjoying a variety of social and recreational activities
How Do We Actualize Our Vision?
· Each person taking responsibility and working to find community solutions
· Encouraging volunteerism through schools, churches, civic groups
· Recognize and reward those who do good deeds in our community
· Encourage neighbors to keep yards clean, homes in good repair, and yards and lots free of debris, weeds, and graffiti
· Urge residents to shop at local businesses, use local services
· Use volunteer groups for projects benefitting the beauty and cleanliness of our community
· Reach out to and encourage commuters to become more a part of our community and to shop locally
· Encourage more participation on clean-up days and in volunteer activities
People taking responsibility to do “the little things” will make a big difference in the present and future of our community. Keeping homes and businesses clean and attractive; city workers and volunteers maintaining streets, sidewalks, paths, and parks well-maintained and neighborhoods free of blight.
One small action by every community member is all it takes to keep the Queen City beautiful, and it’s how we can promote civic pride and #LovePlainfield
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