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Sherlene Stevens: Community Investments

In our local communities, has the overall definition of religion become an idol? Are we now afraid to discuss religious beliefs outside of places of worship? Are reclusive clergy opportunities, as the only local community help, causing most of local, community financial setbacks?  Currently, the U.S. is considered to have most of modern-day practices of Christianity--including, sadly, American Christians whose habit is booze drinking. Fact: Most faith-believing citizens (Muslims and others), of international continents, do not drink alcoholic beverages--at all. If there is a social venue or stores that sell alcoholic beverages, in international Muslim areas, their political laws state that such beverages can only be sold to Christians! In America, we must remember, always, that religious laws are much different than our political or goverments' laws.

Then, we have the proclaimed atheists or simply non-participating citizens--Are you an enemy of any state? Have you ever been unjustly targeted by our government?  By persuasion of staffers of local government or faith-believing citizens, have you ever had your belongings thrown out or discarded? There are far too many instances of such experiences discussed by citizens, within local communities, that are actually our "U.S. born-natives" and not illegal immigrants.

In most U.S. communities, millennials don't know who or what foundations to believe. One action that a majority of them partake in, however, is preference of being loyal "employees" instead of "employers". "Who needs that kind of responsibility?" they say proudly. They are smart in understanding the responsibility tasks of leaders. Instead of being the round-the-clock manager or boss, millennials' interest and time is outside of working walls. Some even devote most of their time in efforts of helping or volunteering at local charities.

As follows, are some of the common challenges with investing in disadvantaged communities:

  • There is one main political party of the area (state or local);
  • There is one main religious sect in the area that dictates the responsibilities of common citizens;
  • There is a lack of drug-free common citizens to pass drug screenings for possible work opportunities;
  • There is a lack of public transportation in the area; and,
  • There is no way to receive standard-product materials for their business to be productive in the local, community-area.
Lastly, volunteering is a great thing to do with one's time. Though, when there is a real need for big sponsorships or large-employer companies, within your local neighborhood, how does your local community handle such issues?