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Forty years ago, we were in the midst of a "Just Say No!" campaign to raise awareness of the problems of drug use and addiction. The request was from Nancy Reagan to the young people of the United States of America to "Just say No" to drugs when offered. It did not address the real problems that drive people to use drugs, not the pain, the feel of the high, nor the peer pressure in groups of young people. It did not work.
Today, I invite you to say "yes"! I'm not asking you to say "yes" to drugs, of course. I'm not asking you to be a rollover for every request that is made of you. I ask you to say yes to the solutions at the root causes of so much evil in our neighborhoods, cities and nation.
Say yes to the invitations to join others in the world in the fight for justice.
Say yes to coming out and helping with neighborhood activities, whether cleaning up litter or painting murals near the dog park.
Say yes to feeding the hungry. Support the local feeding programs and food pantries (even the "blessing boxes").
Say yes to movements that act to ensure the availability of safe potable water in every community. It is important. Imagine our southern counties with irregular, undependable, and nasty water on tap. It can be solved with present resources at the state level
Say yes to the call to support the electoral process. Vote. Vote thoughtfully, considerately, and at every level of participatory government. Attend learning and town hall meetings with candidates and officials willing to show up.
Say yes to being more polite. Be thankful for others and their services, and say so.
Say yes to running with the community running club. Build community and get some fresh air.
Say yes to the United Way campaign. Funds that find matching funds and drive progress in Monongalia and Preston counties.
Say yes to housing people. The positive response to homelessness is to provide housing services and affordable housing programs. Encourage the work in your neighborhood.
Say yes to the local steps to fight pollution. It is less an aesthetic issue than an existential one. Protecting the wild areas, wildlife, waterways, and air is important to our quality of life.
Say yes to supporting the long-term efforts to mitigate our actions that have been accelerating global warming.
Say yes to the efforts to provide safe transitions for people in the neighborhood you live in. It is not right for them to live "over there"!
Say yes to the blood drive. Someone you know will likely need blood on hand this week.
Say yes to subscribing to this newspaper. The Dominion-Post helps you connect to our community. Be informed, be aware, and be active.
Say yes to visiting our local history venues; the Morgantown History Museum is a good place to start. Be reminded of how we got here.
Say yes to the athletic events in your youth. Go to their sports events. Cheer them on. Support the team coaches.
Say yes to our schools; support funding, training, buildings and equipment, not just with your taxes but by being present.
Say yes to being the positive, powerful force in someone's life.
Back to "Just Say No!" Let us all say "no" to apathy, ignorance, oppression, violence and injustice in every theater of our lives. Start local, in your home, and say "yes" to the things that build and "no" to the destructive negativity that surrounds us.
It is a good time to "Be my neighbor!"
Pastor Stephen Prince serves the Mountaineer United Methodist Charge of Morgantown. He is appointed in the United Methodist Church and writes as part of the Morgantown Faith Leaders Network.