Don’t close the curtain on your community’s energy

I recently completed six months of being in two plays at Starlighters Theater. As we were “striking” (cleaning up and putting everything away) the set after the last day of performances, my mind wandered a little. 

There is so much that goes into a performance: Costumes, sets, props, actors, etc. There are all of these individuals coming together for one purpose, and that is to put on a great show. However, once it is over, it’s packed away and only lives on in our memories … there is no lasting impression from it left behind overall. Do we treat our communities the same way?

Community organization, like community theaters, often work on short deadlines, no budgets, and a lack of volunteers to make things happen. Those involved do so with everything they can spare and push ahead to help make the event/show spectacular. Then, once those events are done, those same people pack it all up to wait for the next event/show and hope that everything went well…not only that it made money, but that it made people talk about the organization and encouraged them to be more involved. 

Unfortunately, the old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” has survived the test of time for a reason.

Too often, communities engage in performance art. We put out the red carpet, dust off our streets and stores and get ready for the big event or special guests. But after that, we take everything down, put it away and wait for the next encounter. The goal should be to have the performance art standard become the everyday standard. 

So how do we get the “community performance” art to last longer? What does it take? We know it takes money, time, effort and volunteers. But what else can be done to create a legacy of community?

Community is created when everyone buys into the ultimate goals and the story. As Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage.” Treat your community like a stage every day, and you, you friends, neighbors, etc. are giving the best performance you can every single day.

Communities that utilize the local energy attract more energy, and that can help with those items mentioned before and can allow for succession of those performers as the show goes on. 

Don’t make your community a one-stop show that lasts for a short while and fades into memory. Make it the best and longest running production that everyone wants to see constantly.

Always remember that Jones County Economic Development is here as a resource to your business. We always try to help our businesses and communities grow and prosper. Anytime you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting me at director@jonescounty

development.com.

Derek Lumsden is the executive director of Jones County Economic Development.