If you want to improve the quality of life in Shelbyville and Bedford County, you can’t do it sitting in your recliner and watching reruns of old television shows.  

You need to get involved in some way. Join a club. Ask to be a member of a board for a non-profit. Give your financial support, no matter how small, to local non-profits who seek to make Bedford County a better place for people of all ages, ethnic and financial backgrounds and educational levels.  

In a world where so many of us, especially with children, are overscheduled you might think you don’t have time for involvement in anything else. But, with a little planning, you might be surprised with what you are able to do. 

Not to embarrass her, but I look for inspiration from people like Maleah Claxton, honored as the “Volunteer of the Year” by the Shelbyville and Bedford County Chamber of Commerce this year. No one deserved it more. She chairs the board for United Way of Bedford County and is active on several other boards as well. She has a son, a husband, and a father who she takes care of. On top of all of those duties she operates a successful insurance business. How she does it all I will never know. One thing I do know for sure is the county needs more Maleahs.  

Civic clubs in the county have dwindled so much that some can meet at one table for dinner. What a shame. Both the Shelbyville Rotary Club and the Shelbyville Lions Club are celebrating 100 years of existence. Membership in both clubs is miniscule compared to what it used to be. I remember when there were two Rotary Clubs when I first became a member. We have added new members over the past few months due to a membership emphasis, but we still need more. Every civic club in town is in the same boat, I am sure. If you decide to join a club do more than just attend meetings. Be active. Step forward and be a leader.  

The same goes for being a member of a non-profit board. By all means attend meetings. It is often said if something is important to us, we will take the time to be a part of it. Don’t do it just to add a line to your curriculum vitae. If you can’t commit to regular meetings don’t be a board member. Everyone has to miss from time-to-time but try to be a regular. 

Support the groups you are part of financially as well. It doesn’t have to be a major contribution. You would be surprised how it adds up if every member of a board donates just $10 per month. If a civic club or a nonprofit board don’t hold any interest for you, there are other things you can do.  

Help with the work of your church. Coach a youths ports team. Read to a class. Deliver meals to the elderly and those who cannot leave their homes. The list is endless. Don’t just sit there. Do something.