Even in globalized economy,
we live our lives locally
Throughout American history, our local community building has depended upon private voluntary associations of citizens giving of their time and money to meet our community needs. Our charitable nonprofit sector is repository and generator of community action, service and values.
In 1840, Alexis DeTocqueville, wrote in “Democracy in America,”:
“Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations. If it is proposed to inculcate some truth or to foster some feeling by the encouragement of a great example, they form a society.”
Voluntary community organizations have been the hallmark of Johnson County. Our religious congregations have had a central role, and they are multiplying and diversifying.
Religious-based and secular private schools have provided academic alternatives. Service clubs have expanded in numbers and good works. Founded in 1873, Mercy Hospital provides us with outstanding health care. In the late 19th century the “Silent Ministry” engaged in philanthropic work.
The Social Service League in 1919 conducted a United Welfare Drive raising $16,067.80. Later as the Community Chest in 1937, $20,135.90 was solicited for “social service, unemployment relief, recreation center, Boy and Girl Scouts and restrooms.”
Today through our United Way, we assess community needs and raise funds for 40 social service and health agencies.
Since 1920, good government has been the mission of the Johnson County League of Women Voters, Iowa’s first league. In Iowa City, the League has played a major role in the adoption of council manager government, urban renewal and a fair housing ordinance.
Countywide, it provides voter education, candidate forums and is concerned with regional planning and governance.
Our vibrant cultural organizations already take the regional approach through the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, which includes 61 Johnson County arts and cultural organizations. This marks a vast increase in our cultural scene since our pioneering Johnson County Community Theatre was founded in 1956.
We have become more environmentally active with the Izaak Walton League, Project GREEN, Johnson County Heritage Trust, Songbird Project, Trail Foundation, Backyard Abundance and Environmental Advocates.
As an international crossroads, we have a chapter of the Iowa United Nations Association (initiated by a visit of Eleanor Roosevelt in 1957), Foreign Relations Council and Council for International Visitors. As we grow older, we follow the 1910 example of the Mary O. Coldren Home for Aged Women with such nonprofit senior residences as Ecumenical Towers and Oaknoll. Senior activities abound and needed assistance is close at hand.
Our community owes much to the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, including its Leadership Class of 1999-2000, which organized the Community Foundation of Johnson County. The Community Foundation enables us to build endowments for our charitable organizations. Similarly, our governmental libraries, parks and recreation departments, senior center and school district have private support foundations.
We need to remember that even in a globalized economy, we live our lives locally.
Now more than ever, we must be active in our local voluntary nonprofit organizations to assure the future vitality and humaneness of our community.