United voices can make huge difference

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Local officials, residents and veterans gathered Memorial Day morning in recognition of the completion of what has become known as the Veterans’ Sidewalk Project. The culmination of this project was a couple of years in the making, but it is a testament to what can transpire when residents are engaged and take an active role in helping address the needs and concerns of their community. It also demonstrates how cooperation and communication can bring forth positive change.

The sidewalk, which spans a segment of state Route 112, or what many people refer to as Vinson Highway, from Scott Hill Street south to the Georgia War Veterans Home. The completion of the project is not only a benefit to local veterans who frequent this route, but also to other residents who travel the same area as well.

Residents and VA officials met with city and county leaders a couple of years ago to express their concerns about local veterans, many of whom utilize motorized wheelchairs, traveling down Vinson Highway to get to the grocery store because there was no sidewalk to utilize. Had they not brought this issue to light, this project may have never been realized.

Not only did those concerns about the issue met, they kept at it, following up to ensure that their concerns were heard. That spurred additional conversations, and they stuck to it to make sure that a solution was brought forth. This was especially challenging considering multiple entities were involved on both the local and state level, but they all made a commitment to see the project come to fruition.

Grant funds were eventually acquired and now the project is complete, a safety improvement for everyone who frequents this area of town.

A handful of people saw a need in their community and they directed their concerns to those charged locally with working to find solutions. They kept at it until their voices were adequately heard and a plan of action was put into place to try and find a solution. None of this would have been possible without ample communication, community involvement and a willingness to get it done.

It goes to show that there is still power in engagement and community voice — but it can only be activated if we put forth the effort to tap into it. Imagine how powerful that could be if only it were ignited more often.