19. You probably know other individuals who have sage leadership talents and skills but are not currently involved in the civic life of our community. Why do you believe they choose to be uninvolved? What, if anything, might be done to get them engaged?
First, they may not have been asked. Another reason is they may not have found an involvement that creates passion for them. A third is they may not see the value of involvement or may have lost passion for it and need to be brought back. Sometimes people work hard for something for a long time and then get tired of it, so the freshness is lost. It doesn’t mean they can’t be brought back in different ways, however. Also, some people are tired of responsibility and being asked for money. They don’t want to be asked, and they don’t want to ask others for money either. If they have had enough time off, they might be ready to get re-involved. People in leadership roles tend to enjoy their time, but a point comes when it is just too onerous.
To get younger, employed people involved, you have to find their interests. They might just be willing to work on some project. I think another way may be through the Nevada County Community Leadership Institute. You have to sell its value to them and to the community. Then you have to learn what young people are good at or might be good at. It is difficult when young people are employed because so many organizations meet during the day and are chaired by retired persons.
20. One final question: It is often said that the quality of life in our community is highly attractive and unusual. Do you believe this to be true? (If yes): What are the three or four things about our community that you most value and make you want to continue living here?
The small town atmosphere and historical significance are really important. The Arts are certainly what drew us here, and it is very sad that Foothill Theatre closed its doors. It’s tough times for the Arts, but there are other theatres. The fact that there are so many retired, talented people who are willing to share their expertise enhances the quality of life here. We also have a wonderful support system through nonprofit organizations and their volunteers (e.g., Hospitality House) for people in need. I think ours has been a very generous community.
My husband and I chose to move here right after the Loma Prieta earthquake in the Bay Area. I was remarried and I said to my new husband, “We don’t have to live on top of an earthquake zone.” My husband and I wanted to start our marriage in a new community and create our identity together. I had also lived in Truckee between marriages running the Truckee Hotel, so I had gotten very involved in that community and really liked it. We thought about moving there until friends said, “Remember the snow.” We looked up and down the Sierra foothills, from Jackson and Sutter Creek to here. We decided to settle here because friends who were already living here said, “It’s a really great place. The community has music and great theatre.” My husband and I were into horseback riding then, and we found that attractive here. I still enjoy it but don’t have horses anymore. I miss it, but have wonderful walks close at hand and in beautiful areas. There are so many wonderful simple things here, like the county fair, the open house at Bridgeport, and the Civil War Reenactment in the park. Our community is countrified and that’s so fun to go and see. We’re also not that far away from the San Francisco Bay Area, and having lunch a Tahoe is right next door.
21. Is there anything else you’d like to add or ask before we close?
No
Download Article 1K Club
