Councilman Tom Simplot
October 2008
Volunteerism
We live in a fast-paced, demanding world, where it can be difficult to stay connected with our neighborhood, let alone the larger community. But it is community involvement that binds us and creates stronger neighborhoods. A great way to enhance our communities and enrich our own experiences is to take an active role. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to volunteer, join your neighborhood association, or start a block watch group.
Volunteers contribute in very large ways. They coach little league teams, serve food in homeless shelters, clean up a neglected alley, or help construct houses for the less fortunate. These individual actions have the power to change our world. And it all starts in your community.
The best aspect about volunteerism is that opportunities are always available and opened to everyone. You can find volunteer opportunities by checking out the city’s Web site at phoenix.gov, but here are a few specific examples of how you can get started:
Volunteer at a community or senior center—In District 4 alone, there are several community and senior centers operated by the city of Phoenix that are in need of volunteers. The Adam Diaz Senior Center at 4115 W. Thomas Road is currently looking for volunteers to help in their new computer lab. If you are interested, please feel free to call my office for more details. And other organizations around town like the Boys and Girls Club or FlorenceCrittenton could use some extra help, too.
Join your neighborhood association—More than 1,000 neighborhood associations are listed with the city of Phoenix, and one of them is likely to cover your area. If not, start one! Neighborhood associations provide a network to discuss concerns, ideas and goals with your neighbors. If you’re already involved, let us know if your group is interested in organizing a neighborhood cleanup or graffiti paint-out, and we can help with supplies.
Work with the Phoenix Police Department—The Phoenix Police Department serves and protects the residents of Phoenix in countless ways, but also provides educational and community programs, such as Block Watch, Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol (P.N.P.) and the Citizen Police Academy. These programs are offered to help educate citizens on how to keep ourselves and our neighborhoods safe. As always, report suspicious activity to CrimeStop at 602-262-6151, or call 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency.
These are just three ways that make a huge difference. There are plenty more opportunities that give you the chance to make positive impacts, whether it’s helping one person or the whole neighborhood. In this time of budget crisis, our community and our city need your help more than ever. If we all pitch in, the results will make the city of Phoenix an even better place to live. Thanks to all of you who are already involved and keep up the good work!
Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of north central Phoenix. If you have questions, comments or suggestions on this or any other issue, contact his office at council.district.4@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7447.