Consider the town you live in… picture in your head. Are you able to identify services and amenities offered? Where are the green spaces? Overall do you feel safe? Now, take a moment to consider this: do you know of the accessible transportation options? What about low-income housing choices? Are there affordable shopping centers and food options? Where are the daycare centers? Are there safe routes to school? Do you know the cultural demographics? Do you see others of different races?

How does your community serve not only your family, but families of all social categories? In order to make a community that supports and enhances its members’ lives, we need to start from the ground up. We need to analyze our own community by keeping the needs of the disadvantaged in mind.

In order to do this, I pledge to…

1) Be more aware, cognizant, and attentive to the above aspects I might be missing. I will look for ways in which my community addresses the needs of the disadvantaged groups.

2) Consider all aspects of a community before I move into one. I will not choose to live in a community solely based on the “safety” or aesthetic appeal. I will consider living in a diverse community that is inclusive of all minority groups.