Six Ways to Become More Involved in Your Small Town

1. Beautify the public spaces. Volunteer to spruce up the local square, rotunda, public offices or even a stretch of bare public road. If your town has at least a population of over 2000, give or take, you more likely than not have more than a few public areas. Wouldn't they look nicer with a spruce up, perhaps some bright flowers and maybe a shrub? Don't want to do it alone? Many small towns have free newspapers, put an ad in, be proactive. Ask for other volunteers. Give a date range, place, and contact person in your ad. Don't have any spare cash to spare for such a project? The local nursery is usually delighted to help out, at very least, for a reduced price. They always appreciate a small recognition in the form of a sign placed by a new and noticeable project. If you have already found other volunteers and the nursery is not negotiating well, go to your local selectman's meeting and ask for some cash for the eye appeal of the town. They are usually interested in small tasks beneficial to the town and may decide to kick in some funds.

2. Small towns have town meetings. These meetings always have a place for a volunteer. Whether selling the town cook book or blanket with the town emblem, to guiding voters to the correct place, or perhaps a traffic coordinator. All of these positions help the town and help you to facilitate a good incentive for other neighbors. There is always an appreciation for those who set up and break chairs and tables as well. The town offices will usually gladly provide contact information for any town meeting, ask there about volunteering.

3. Even better, run for an office. You could be anything from a town selectman, tax collector, supervisor of the checklist, a whole wealth of opportunities could be yours.

4. Work at the library as a volunteer. Read to kids, suggest books, and fix book jackets. Be an unofficial library diplomat.

5. If your children go to the local schools, join the local PTA. Ask to be put in charge of a fundraiser. Or be an after school coach, tutor, or referee. Many grammar schools have something called a "Grandparents Program." It appears to be a win-win situation for all involved. The seniors (usually volunteers) enjoy it, the kids gain gold pots of stories, history, and information from them. And how about spending time with the kids as a chaperone on a school trip? You probably will have a blast.

6. Join the local neighborhood crime watch. You will get to know your neighbors and that is beneficial for all involved. Usually if there is a neighborhood crime watch you will see signs in the neighborhood. If you are unsure, contact your local police department. If you don't have one, start one. This may involve fundraisers in the form of yard sales, barbeques at the town offices, or just maybe just neighbor to neighbor contact.

Every town has a bit of personality all its' own. Be proud, take honor in your community be active, get to know your neighbors. These neighbors could become your best friends.