Did you know that successful local businesses contribute to communities by serving as a catalyst for connecting and enrichment? Local businesses have come out of COVID-19, some more tattered than others, and therefore it is essential to support local businesses. Instead of seeking out products and services farther away, why not find local companies that provide the same things and do your part to strengthen your community.
Children Benefit from Community Engagement
Families all over the world seek to find safe communities and activities to sign their kids up for so they can stay active and begin to integrate into the community. Making friends, finding a babysitter, and a landscaper are some of the things communities share. Local martial arts studio, SwiftKick, has relentlessly pursued strengthening the Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo communities in which they offer martial arts classes for all ages!
Participating in activities where children can easily make friends, attend community events, and be a part of organized youth programs is said to help with cognitive development and social and emotional learning. It is essential to find extra-curricular activities that thoughtfully occur in an encouraging atmosphere that fosters relationship building. Working with peers in a knowingly safe environment allows children to thrive and navigate life. There are many programs designed around elevating and strengthening communities.
Teaming up with local schools and youth programs creates fun, cohesive outlets for exercise and mental stimulation as well as accountability and
After School Programs Help Students and Families
Community-focused businesses, including those that offer martial arts training, understand the value of after-school programs for families. They recognize the major tool it serves to bring members of each community together and build a team mentality among residents and businesses. Giving children an outlet to stay active, get out energy, and process school days in s safe and supportive environment meets the needs of all those within the community, including under-served populations, and encourages family member involvement. Many households find it difficult to carve out time to participate in local events with work, school, and other commitments. Still, mindful communities will offer events that work for busy families too.
There are national organizations that strive to provide after-school programs because not only do they help keep kids stay away from trouble, but it also allows working parents to have peace while they finish their workday. This after-school participation will enable children to gain life skills as they navigate their local peer groups in a healthy and friendly environment and keep them physically active and off their devices.
Involvement in Community Activities Establishes Ownership
There are numerous youth programs offered throughout San Diego County, and some have deep roots and serve the community in incredible ways. Anyone involved in one of these efforts will tell you that as more children and families participate in these programs, people gain a strong sense of citizenship, wanting to care for and build up things within their power. Building community awareness, connecting with others, and finding other ways to get involved increases community involvement and gives both children and adults a new level of responsibility for the local businesses and people.
Communities Recovering After Isolation
There is no doubt that the mandatory lockdowns, social distancing, and mask-wearing took their toll on all Americans. Indeed, some may hesitate to re-engage, but the sooner communities can find recovery together, the better off everyone will be. Start by finding local businesses to support, including restaurants, grocery stores, martial arts studios, and other services offered by someone in the community. Although these small attempts may seem too small to make a difference individually, the power of a collective effort provides value beyond what is measurable. Some in your community may need to be encouraged to begin engaging again, and only by immersing oneself can these people and groups be identified. Having grace, patience, and compassion with those in your direct sphere of influence have a significant impact.
Participating in community events and supporting local businesses restores and retains the energy, money, time, and effort invested by those in the community. Keeping those things close means that those within the immediate area reap the benefits of this healthy cycle. Encouraging children to engage in community activities and involving parents builds pride and responsibility, strengthening neighborhoods across America. This summer, keep an eye out on community boards or social media outlets for your area and try to plug in with other like-minded people who want to re-invest back into the community. Picnics, art shows, farmer\’s markets, and other happenings are definitely planned or already on the calendar for the next few months! Don\’t miss the unique opportunity to become a part of a community. It is a healthy lifestyle choice for children, families, seniors, and businesses. The overall result is an enriched experience for everyone involved, and it reaches beyond city limits to be an example for others.