We all need to work to make region better

By ANDRE SHORT
Special to the Observer-Dispatch
Posted Nov 10, 2011 @ 05:00 AM

Being likened to the superhero Batman on Twitter recently, Cory Booker responded to a supporter of his by responding, “I look horrible in tights.” Although the Mayor of Newark, N.J., isn’t denying the claims, he has an alibi: inspiring hundreds of Uticans at the Stanley Theatre.

After the Oct. 19tevent, many of us in the audience gathered in the lobby of the majestic stage wondering what would come next. Mayor Booker’s speech inspired those of us who were sitting on seats’ edge, and we want to share his message.

He was speaking about “How to Change The World with Your Bare Hands.” He has led by example, showing us what can be done. Applying this advice, while leaving the Stanley, organizers of the event, The Community Foundation, partnered with Mohawk Valley Community College to facilitate a discussion around what our next step should be.

A group of local community leaders met the next week and quickly split into teams to discuss what we thought would be best to improve Utica. Looking at the Herkimer / Oneida County indicator areas for improved quality of life, the groups came up with the following:

-- Promote Utica and love the area.

-- Increase local businesses with focus on eateries and farming: Encourage the market for ethnic food by promoting local farming and restaurants.

-- Unite the diverse population: Mayor Booker said, “Here is the lesson of snowflakes: Individually beautiful yet fragile, but look how strong they are when they all stick together.” The acceptance and welcoming nature we show to newcomers of this area must continue to spread.

-- Examples of educational success in our community must be shown. We must inspire educational partnerships and parent involvement in order to improve youths’ path to post-secondary educational opportunities.

-- New leaders in the community must come forward.

-- Lastly, and most importantly, Utica needs to hear from you. We must hear ideas from new, energetic, excited citizens. Please find a way to make your voice heard. Take an hour out of your week to go to a meeting, or event and share your knowledge and passion to make a change!

It is truly astounding what Booker has done for Newark. He is one man, and he has transformed a city. We are more than 60,000 and growing; we must create the change we envision our home to undergo. We must act as a community to grow together and transform our community.

The points outlined above serve simply as ideas a small number of us have discussed. There are numerous opportunities for change. Think of what you love most about living in the Mohawk Valley and make it better, think about an area of need and improve Upstate New York. Discuss these issues with friends, coworkers, family, and neighbors. Volunteer, tweet, donate, discuss, post on someone’s wall, create a group, change our area for the better in anyway you can!

As you begin to think about all that can be done, remember Mayor Booker’s words: “Never let your inability to change everything undermine your ability to do something.”

André Short was born and raised in the Utica area and attended MVCC and SUNY-Cortland pursuing a degree in adolescent education in English. He teaches at Whitesboro High School and has become active in community involvement and internet blogging.

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