It's time

In yesterdays's Sunday Herald Sun newspaper, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, stated that we need to see respect demonstrated on our footpaths. He went on to say that if this eventuates, then five things may occur.
1. There might be less butt litter on our footpaths
2. There would be fewer beggars
3. Pedestrians would stick to the left
4. There would be less graffiti tagging
5. There would be better CBD Christmas decorations.
The reality is that there is a deep need for our city to develop it's own set of values. And it is for far deeper reasons than concern about butt litter & pedestrian traffic on our city streets.
In discussion with a range of people, respect appears to be a significant value that many Melbournians would like to see embedded in our city.
An increase in self respect & respect for others would help, in part, deal with some of the significant social issues that are currently effecting our city. Binge drinking, alcohol fueled violence, knife carriage & knife crime & an apparent increase in teenage suicide. It's time now for some serious discussion about the Melbourne Way.

Should volunteering be a key 2011 New Year's resolution for you?

The end of a year is a sensational opportunity to contemplate what we as individuals can do to contribute into the lives of others, and as a result, into making society more cohesive and functional.

As you consider some New Year's resolutions for your life, why not reflect on what you do to build into the lives of others.

Is it time for you to consider connecting with a local agency, church or even arranging a volunteer opportunity for yourself in your local community?