When I moved here, my family stayed for a few days to help me unpack and to explore the city. However, the constant warning emails of criminal activity made us uneasy. After they left, I felt like a chihuahua, shaking with anxiety, fighting to stay safe in the streets of Berkeley.
However, after a few months of living here, I realized how much we emphasize the negative rather than the positive. It’s so common to hear: “It’s dangerous,” “Don’t go out at night by yourself,” “Avoid that area,” etc. Yet, it’s so unusual to hear the positive things that happen in the community.
This new column, The Community Chronicle, will highlight the amazing things the community does to help others and make a difference. As Margaret Wheatley says, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
Every two weeks, I will interview a community member who is fighting for positive change. From a volunteer at a nursing home to a caring friend who cooks for his roommates, I will share their stories to remind us of our strengths. I want to stop overlooking the strengths of our community and discover what truly matters and the ways we can get more involved.
If you or someone you know wants to share a story about making a positive impact in the community, you can email me at aburservat@berkeley.edu.