Yes, STEPS is on the move and it’s becoming exciting! Why? Because STEPS is the kind of dream good people have for the future of their community though in some ways they look at with measured pause and ask themselves: “Can we really do this? Can we rally the spirit and energy of our town and begin to bring about such a positive change in culture?”
With the genuine commitment of a cross section of all parts of the community, the answer is soon seen as: “Yes, we can, especially when we realize how powerful the results can ultimately be for our children, their children and for many future generations.
I had “overheard” a bit about STEPS three or four years ago when it was in its early stages of development. But, like most other people, my plate seemed to be full with other activities, in my case, a personal mission to track and assist by trying to create a greater awareness of the great work being done throughout our non-profit community largely by volunteers whose number is legion.
About a year ago, in my quest to discover more about the giving spirit of the people of our community, I started looking more closely at STEPS for a story, which resulted in a three part series. My interest in STEPS brought an invitation to me to serve on the STEPS Advisory Board where I was to discover a new universe of people and ideas in the mission known as Southington’s Town-wide Efforts to Promote Success. It didn’t take long for me to join members of a dozen different sectors of the community, in saying, “I’m in!”, a phrase given new meaning by Dr. Joe Erardi, Southington’s Superintendent of Schools when referring to a commitment to STEPS!
Some of the finest and most dedicated people I have known in my seventeen years in Southington are working every day to promote viable and lasting alternatives to risky behavior in young people, for example, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, low self-esteem, and other forms of negative social interaction, all of which stand in the way of a way of life that grows physically, intellectually and emotionally healthy kids: tomorrow’s adult generation.
STEPS proactively develops healthy activities among kids, opening new doors to family, community and worthwhile social activities in an environment that is caring and nurturing.
STEPS is compelling, calling all townspeople to active participation in creating a rite of passage to positive cultural change as we move more swiftly into an ever-changing world.
That’s why I’m excited at the prospect of seeing more students, parents, grandparents, educators, healthcare providers, religious leaders and their congregations, our law and safety enforcement services, town leaders, the media, civic, service and non-profit groups, businesses and professionals getting involved with STEPS so that they, too, will join many of us in saying, “I’M IN!”
You’re invited to come to the STEPS Forum on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Aqua Turf, where you’ll hear and see the results of the second round of surveys and much more about just how STEPS is making a difference in our community, one kid at a time. Admission is free and complimentary refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Calvanese Foundation.
People of Southington: Don’t wait. RSVP at ForumSTEPS@gmail.com to reserve your seat today!
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