A Thriving Community: Simple Ways You and Your Family Can Make a Difference Now

Cherokee County is known to its residents as a county that values the spirit of community. Many of its towns embody the key characteristics of thriving. The sense of community along with shared values, such as hard work, integrity and caring for one another, draws people to the region and provides natural opportunities for connection.

While local officials have a charge in leading community development efforts, each and every citizen has a responsibility to do their part. You, your family and your friends are an integral part of what makes our community a great place to live. Your simple acts of kindness and contribution allow for an even greater expansion of possibilities for our thriving communities.

For many residents, the question is how to make a difference and where to start. True Center hopes to get the conversation started with an intentional focus this fall on “Celebrating Community: Thriving from the Inside Out”. To register for the Community Conversation click here, call us at (678) 909-2499 or email us at admin@truecenterwoodstock.org.

 We are inviting you to get involved as an active participant in celebrating community. Please join us for this free event! 

When people act to express their gratitude for the many gifts of community, this naturally creates momentum and greater fulfillment for individuals and families. Making simple, everyday choices, individually or as a family, goes a long way to the creation of a thriving community. ~ Eve Willson, True Center Executive Director

Simple Ways to Make a Difference Now

While busy schedules and commitments may seem to be a barrier to full participation, there are simple ways to make a difference. It begins with simple gratitude. Here are four simple and adaptable ways to be an involved member of the community and begin to make a real difference every day.
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1. Be curious and express gratitude. Thriving communities are formed when members of the community are open-hearted, curious and engaged. Take the time to have a conversation with your child or a neighbor, sharing a smile or a word of encouragement. Go to the park and strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. Write a letter of appreciation to a public servant. Seek out information on local issues and initiatives and find creative ways to contribute your own ideas and talents.
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2. Keep it local. Buy locally-grown food. Support local merchants and artisans. Register to vote and learn about city and county issues, needs and opportunities. Attend local workshops and events. As you are in community, practice appreciation for each person’s unique contributions and bring forward your own true voice and gifts. Pass on great finds in the community to others in your circles and speak with pride about your local community and all the ways it contributes to your life.
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3. Look out for each other. Thriving communities are compassionate communities. Help out those who might need assistance, an elderly neighbor or a person with a disability, for example. Offer support with transportation or simply express your kindness. Find simple ways to offer your time and talents to individuals and groups. Being considerate and aware is the first step to creating a strong community.
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4. Be mindful of your community footprint. Take pride in keeping your private space and shared community spaces clean and welcoming. Consider how you are receiving from community resources and find simple ways to give back. Recycle. Donate to a nonprofit organization. Volunteer your time. Live simply to simply live.

GET INVOLVED IN OUR COMMUNITY! Join us for a community conversation with a panel and audience participation on Thursday, October 12 at True Center

True Center provides a welcoming space to remember who you are, reclaim your voice of truth and restore your connection to wholeness. The organization will host a community conversation on October 12 from 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to identify ways we work together to create community, to celebrate what we have built through mutual respect and trust, and to envision what we can do to support thriving communities across the county.

Call 678-909-2499 to reserve your spot or e-mail admin@truecenterwoodstock.org.