The World Needs You

When you are being judged by someone that has no idea who you are
always remember this: Dogs always bark at strangers. Neighbours are given
to us on the same basis as we are given our families. There is no element of
choice involved - none at all. Still, safe, clean, beautiful city neighborhoods are happy places to live and good places to raise children.

The "environment" isn't just about pollution or land conservation, it's about what and where we build, and it's about the quality of human relationships, well-being and happiness enabled. It's about civic pride. It's about the relationship between our cities and our mental and emotional well being; the relationship of urban form and physical health. The shape of our communities and neighborhoods affects mental health and the much more elusive concept of happiness remains under-explored. That's why urbanization is blamed for countless social ills.

Truth is, a healthy dose of community spirit and identity can go a long way to empower us as we face the difficult challenges ahead. Urban or civic pride is a healthy sign. A a desire for better communities is shaping the new world. This isn't a time to quit. It is time for so-called weaker cities to become better places to live in and visit. Strong community involvement strengthens cities and connects people. What do you want to contribute to your community and to the Earth? The world needs you.