I remember filling envelopes with letters for a soon-to-be U.S. Congressman back when snail mail was the main form of written communication and envelopes and stamps were not self-adhesive.  I was 5, living in a small town, and following my mom on the first of many political campaigns she volunteered for.  As I got older I wouldn’t be as involved but would help out here or there; and so would my friends.  It was just something you did.  You helped out people you knew and they valued this help because they were your neighbors, your friends.  You made a difference however big or small because it does, indeed, take a village and everyone wanted to make their community the best possible place to live.

Fast forward 20+ years to Chicago.  Well we all know of the political climate there, it’s not called the Windy City because of the tornado-like winds coming in off the lake.  I lived there for 13 years and never really felt like I was part of a community.  I was a Chicagoan in almost every way – a member of a civic organization; a Cubs fan; a Bears fan; a lover of food, Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and the Lakefront.  I would never even think of putting ketchup on my hotdog.  I served on jury duty (at 26th Street); I knew the neighborhoods and their boundries.  I would get annoyed every time someone from Aurora said they were from Chicago.  But a recognized individual member of the community who can make a difference?  No.  Not really.  Not even on a pothole.

And I never really noticed until I moved back to Michigan.

In three short years I am much more connected to my community as a whole than I ever had the opportunity to be in Chicago.  Due, in most part, to my decade long membership with the Junior League I was able to immediately connect with civic and community minded people within my first month in town.  But more than connections with people, I’ve been inspired.  Inspired to make a difference in my community.  Taught how to go about driving change and making a difference in my community.  Last week I had the opportunity to visit the (gorgeous and impressive) Michigan State Capital with about 75 other women from around the state.  At least 15 local Representatives took time out of their day to meet with us, showing value to the volunteer work we do to make our communities better.  Michigan is a state with committed citizens, from towns both big and small, who are doing their parts to create change and make the state a great place to live.

Oh, and that former U.S. Congressman?  Well, he’s still serving the State of Michigan.  In fact, I wrote him a letter when I moved back and received a welcoming hand-written note in return.