I am proud to be from Dayton, Ohio. Yes, I make fun of my city at time, but at the end of the day, I love this little city. Dayton at in her heyday was a center for great minds, innovation, and growth. We get to claim the Wright Brothers (sorry North Carolina...they were born, raised, invented, and a buried here), James Cox, James Patterson (the man who truly coined the term "You're fired"...seriously look it up!) , and of course John Legend and Dave Chapelle frequent our great city. Forour foodies out there, I have one word: Cheez-its. Dayton was a manufacturing haven and people flocked here from all over the country to work in the automobile and manufacturing factories.
Sadly, that all changed at the turn of the century. One by one, the great employers of the area left and with them went job security and a promising economy. Dayton has spent the better part of the past two decades coming back. We now boast over 15 breweries, amazing dining options, over 360 miles of paved bike paths, and countless opportunities for those who want them. More than those things, we learned to come together. To love and support and not to judge. To see from another perspective and close our eyes to the prejudice around us. We lift one other up in this city and embody #DaytonStrong
So what are some ways you can better your community? How can you lead by example and love your neighbor? Well, that's a super deep question and one that will take some serious looking inward...but here are some ideas that anyone can implement in their own communities.
Here’s how to do it:
Split plants and offer them for free to your neighbors. Many neighborhoods participate in the community app, Nextdoor. Send out a message and offer some of your extra plants to help beautify your community. *Hostas split very easily and grow quickly*
Organize a community clean up day! Again, use free resources like Nextdoor
Volunteer to plant bulbs in a local park with friends
Host a family day at a park or your home and help kids and parents learn about plants. Many times if you call local park departments or science museums they can help you!
Just be a kind person. If you see litter: pick it up! See someone in need, help them. Basically, just don't be a jerk!