Downwind“Community”
The “rural” community. The “African American” community. The “Christian” community. The “Latino” community. The “Farm” community. The “business” community. The “LGBTQ” community. The “deaf” community. And so on…
We hear the word “community” frequently. In the news. On social media. In daily conversations.
I am a fan of the little known “one- arm human” community. My community is concerned about important issues: one-arm paper hangers, magic tricks with nothing up our sleeves, unused left/right-handed gloves. Yes, it’s a small community, like my hometown.
What traits make up a community? Obviously, connections such as purpose, geography, interests, or circumstances but there seems to be more. Common beliefs, give-and-take communications, mutual support, and shared values build those connections.
People need to be understood, supported, and connected. Community can fill those needs. Community is not just a feel-good buzz word.
Cook County Farm Bureau is not made up of “a single community”. Members join and participate in the organization for diverse, varied, and widespread reasons.
Rather, like the many neighborhoods that make up the city of Chicago, your Cook County Farm Bureau is made up of a series of smaller “communities” that collectively make up the “whole” of the organization.
The original community of Cook County Farm Bureau, created in 1920, was local farmers involved in production farming and agriculture. It continues to exist today. Since 1920, additional communities within CCFB have been established, evolved, and grown.
Recognizing the importance of communities, the Board of Directors and staff are intentionally working to better serve and cater to certain communities found within the bounds of the Cook County Farm Bureau membership including:
- Our existing and future farmer members, landowners, specialty growers, and urban/innovative producers community
- The green thumb community
- The go-go seniors community
- The family connections community
And we will limit the common community problems caused by…
- The dog barking incessantly next door (its bark is allegedly worse than its bite).
- The neighbor mowing the lawn early morning Sunday (the sun is up, you know).
- That rock throwing kid down the street (we know he means well).
- Stay off my grass (Says the neighborhood).
- The neighborhood knuckleheads (just like having fun with those practical jokes).
We are going to serve all our members to the best of our ability. We hope that you will continue challenging us to do so. I mean it so much that I wrote a pledge…
Cook County Farm Bureau Pledge
We pledge to…
- Represent and support all types of agriculture and farm production.
- Continue our member-driven grassroots policy development to implement locally as well as the state and national level.
- Seek and provide high quality benefits and services that save members money, improve members’ lifestyles, and provide enjoyable, rich experiences.
- Provide members with quality, common sense, and timely communications and resources.
- Offer an expansive world of rewarding communities and relationships.
- Answer the phone and serve member needs.
Do you feel a sense of peace and tranquility now? Your community is here to support you!