One of our major goals at Forward Brunswick is to foster community pride, particularly among the rising generation of young people who live in our city. I received a good lesson in the meaning of this subject a few weeks ago when I participated in judging Youth of the Year candidates at the Jane Macon Boys and Girls Club. This is one of the great pleasures of being a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, one of our important Forward Brunswick partners.

As judges, board members listen to a brief talk by each candidate and then ask questions on a variety of topics. One of the questions goes something like this: “What would you like to see changed in our community?” When asked this, one of the students said: “I would like to see my neighborhood cleaned up.” You see, young people inherently understand that taking care of your surroundings is one of the pathways to community pride.

I’m sure many of you have experienced occasions when pride in one’s club, team or other relationship is obvious. At Forward Brunswick, we are working with our many partners to “clean things up” and in the process promote pride in Brunswick. From Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Norwich St, Liberty Brunswick Project, the MathTalk Trail and other efforts, we are providing opportunities for citizens of all ages to engage in positive activities that will foster self esteem and pride in their friends and neighbors.

Please look at our various projects and search for ways that you can participate. The benefits will accrue to you, your family and the wider community.

-Ben Slade, Chair of the Board of Directors

View the full February 2022 newsletter here.