Concern for our neighbors

A story on the front page of this week’s DCI touches on two areas that although different, do share a connection.

At Kasson-Mantorville High School Lori Pagel teachers a Community Action Class. The purpose of the class is to connect students to the topics and issues that resonate with them and translate that into action, primarily by volunteering to help others in the community. The class has speakers that come in from various community non-profit groups who talk about their organization, what they do and the need for their activities.

Students are encouraged to get involved in several ways, including a personal level, and working with small groups of classmates.

Earlier this month Ali Carryer, who is the volunteer coordinator with NAMI Southeast Minnesota, was one of the speakers. NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental health.

The local NAMI organization is part of both the state and national NAMI groups. The purpose is to offer support to those who are experiencing mental illness as well as their family and friends. It also serves as an advocacy group to educate the public about mental illness and perhaps most importantly try to reduce the stigma associated with the illness.

Where the two areas intersect is in the area of helping others.

Mental illness affects, NAMI reports, one in five adults who have some type of mental health issue and one in three who have had symptoms of anxiety or depression.

In her talk to the students, Carryer explained that there are many ways that everyone can help reduce the stigma that still exists about mental illness through learning about the issues themselves and helping others learn. One way to do this is by volunteering.

This is where the two areas intersect. Volunteering is a major focus of the Community Action Class. Students in the class learn about all sorts of volunteer opportunities that can help others in the community.

And that is a good thing as many, if not most, civic and volunteer organizations are finding themselves struggling for members. Fewer members means fewer people taking on the task of helping others.

It is a good time for all of us to think about our neighbors and the community and what we can all do to improve life for everyone.

While the students at Kasson-Mantorville who take this class are learning about those opportunities it is a good idea for the rest of us to also consider what we can do.