Big cities and small towns alike need to find ways to strengthen and revitalize their downtown areas. Some cities and town's business district sit like ghost towns. Others feel unsafe. Yet some downtown areas are booming with business. Some needs penetrate deep. Some communities commit to helping the homeless or unemployed, overcoming addiction, or reaching their senior citizens. In addition to volunteering for a cause and shopping downtown, we can help simply by voting. Keep reading to learn how you can support a cause that is important to you.
My own town, about ten minutes away from my home, works hard to maintain a positive downtown area. Each month they host a First Friday event in the evening. Businesses stay open late and offer discounts to their patrons. It's like a big festival with popcorn penetrating the air and balloons on every corner. Every month some big event takes place downtown like Country Christmas and Healthy Kids Day. The sidewalks and crosswalks have recently been beautified making our town more attractive to visitors and residents alike. Yet another business just closed. We must support small businesses, even if it means keeping a quarter in our pocket to feed the meter.
State Farm Neighborhood Assist wants to help make a difference in our communities. This program connects individuals and communities with local non-profits to build safer, stronger, and better-educated communities. Together, they work to solve problems and provide opportunities for communities to receive funding to make a difference in their neighborhood.
What community cause are you passionate about? State Farm Neighborhood Assist wants people like you to submit a community cause. They are giving $25,000 grants to 40 causes throughout the United Sates. Together, you and State Farm can make a difference just by voting. Vote for the 2015 candidates right on Facebook.
The Youth Advisory Board implements a $5 million-a-year service-learning initiative. It addresses important issues not only of youth, but also of communities. It is a diverse group of 30 students, ages 17-20. Each member serves a two-year term. They are selected from across the country. They work with the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program to help communities nationwide. See who and how they have helped past winners.
The 2015 voting is under way. Would you please consider voting for a cause that you believe in? Forty causes will receive grants for their community. If your favorite cause is not there, be sure to let them know so they can participate next year.
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What a great initiative!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great program!
ReplyDelete