Nostalgia is inescapable, and no more so than during May-June’s homestretch to summer vacation. I remember every May feeling as if summer vacation would never arrive, and when it finally did in June—what a magic moment it was! I also remember as a kid loving to watch cartoons on TV, with Popeye the Sailor Man at the top of my list. One particular episode, “Leave Well Enough Alone,” remains embedded in my memory to this day, especially its catchy theme song sung by the sailor man himself in that inimitable raspy voice: “Leave well enough alone, why should I want to roam, I know me stuff and I’m smart enough to leave well enough alone!” (ending with two toots on his pipe). Along with the memorable tune, the song’s “grass is always greener” message resonated with me long after the TV series folded and has carried into my adult life, including my volunteer work for BWNA.
As editor, I walk the line between standing pat with what has and still is working well for the newsletter and taking a risk to rock the boat via innovation. But there’s also risk in “leaving well enough alone” (i.e., if the “well enough” isn’t good enough). One thing’s for sure: throwing the baby out with the bathwater is never a smart move, and, as the front-page article intimates, it’s a fate that could be awaiting our heretofore venerated neighborhood association system (replacing it with who knows what). BWNA recommends leaving well enough alone, as outlined in the following resolution.
Resolution for the retention of Portland’s neighborhood association system:
Whereas, equity and inclusiveness are fundamental American societal objectives;
Whereas, participatory democracy is essential to fairness in decision-making;
Whereas, neighborhood associations are open to participation by all residents;
Whereas, neighborhood association Board elections afford the opportunity for any resident to represent the neighborhood in a leadership role;
Whereas, community outreach is essential to the viability of a neighborhood association, with broad-based resident participation a key factor;
Whereas, neighborhood association coalitions provide an organizational conduit for project networking and a funding source for community outreach and communication through multiple programs and activities, such as newsletters;
Whereas, neighborhood associations and coalitions should be accountable for providing an open and inclusive environment that advances equity;
Whereas, the mission of neighborhood associations is to enhance civic life and community engagement by serving as a forum for discussion on livability issues, a conduit for individual and group initiatives, and a facilitator of neighborhood improvement projects; therefore, be it RESOLVED that Portland’s system of neighborhood associations and coalition organizations merits retention and continued support from the City of Portland Office of Community & Civic Life.
No, the actual resolution doesn’t have “such as newsletters” in italics (I couldn’t help myself), and the board may still decide to tweak the wording a bit. But the basic evidence-based planks of the resolution warrant dissemination to neighborhood associations for endorsement and City Hall for consideration. Nostalgia is not a factor.
One final note: welcome to new advertiser ADUplusYOU; see ad on page 11.