Community involvement is often seen as something for older generations, but young adults have a crucial role to play in shaping the places they live. Whether it’s through homeowners’ associations (HOAs), neighborhood councils, or civic groups, being involved in local organizations provides young adults with opportunities to make a tangible impact while developing valuable skills.
A Seat at the Table Means a Voice in Decisions
Many community associations make important decisions about local infrastructure, public safety, zoning, and neighborhood development. If young adults don’t participate, these decisions will be made without their input—often by older generations who may not fully understand the needs and priorities of younger residents. Getting involved ensures that concerns like affordable housing, public transportation, and green spaces are addressed.
Develop Leadership and Networking Skills
Being part of a community association allows young adults to develop leadership abilities that can translate into professional success. Public speaking, negotiation, problem-solving, and event planning are just a few skills that come with active participation. Additionally, networking with local leaders and professionals can open doors to career opportunities.
Strengthen Community Bonds and Social Connections
In an era where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, engaging in local organizations fosters real-world relationships. Community involvement creates a sense of belonging, strengthens social ties, and can even help combat loneliness. By attending meetings and working on local initiatives, young adults build friendships with neighbors who share common goals.
Create Lasting Change and Advocate for Important Issues
From sustainability efforts to public safety initiatives, young adults have the energy and fresh ideas needed to bring change to their communities. Whether it’s advocating for more bike lanes, organizing clean-up drives, or pushing for better public transit, young voices can drive progress.
Improve Property Values and Neighborhood Appeal
For young adults who are homeowners or renters, participating in community associations ensures their neighborhood remains a desirable place to live. Community groups often work on beautification projects, crime prevention, and local events—all of which can enhance property values and overall quality of life.
Gain a Sense of Civic Responsibility
Civic engagement isn’t just about voting every few years—it’s about taking an active role in the well-being of a community. By contributing to local associations, young adults gain firsthand experience in local governance, which can encourage broader political engagement and a deeper understanding of how policies affect daily life.
How to Get Involved
• Attend local community meetings or HOA gatherings.
• Volunteer for projects like neighborhood clean-ups or fundraising events.
• Run for a position within a community board or association.
• Start conversations with neighbors and encourage peers to get involved.
Young adults are the future of their communities, and their participation today ensures that their neighborhoods reflect their values and needs. By taking an active role in community associations, they help shape a better tomorrow while building skills and relationships that last a lifetime.
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The recent implementation of 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports by President Donald Trump is poised to have significant and potentially devastating consequences for the Baltimore metropolitan area. These measures are expected to affect various sectors, from the Port of Baltimore to local agriculture and consumer prices.
Impact on the Port of Baltimore
The Port of Baltimore serves as a crucial economic engine for Maryland, handling a substantial volume of imported goods. Governor Wes Moore has expressed deep concern over the new tariffs, stating that they are already having a “disastrous” impact on the state’s economy. He emphasized that these policies are affecting operations at the Port of Baltimore, which could lead to reduced cargo volumes and, consequently, job losses within the port and related industries.
Agricultural Sector Challenges
Beyond the port, Maryland’s agricultural sector, particularly on the Eastern Shore, is facing significant challenges. Governor Moore highlighted that chicken farmers are among those adversely affected by the tariffs. The increased costs of imported materials and potential retaliatory tariffs from other countries could reduce the competitiveness of Maryland’s agricultural products in the global market, leading to decreased revenues for local farmers.
Consumer Price Increases
Consumers in the Baltimore area should also brace for rising prices on everyday goods. Daraius Irani, chief economist at the Regional Economics Studies Institute at Towson University, explained that tariffs function similarly to sales taxes, with importers likely passing on increased costs to consumers. This means that products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and even items like waffles and wafers imported from countries like Canada could see price hikes. While the exact increase may vary, consumers can generally expect to pay more for these goods.
Construction and Manufacturing Implications
The construction and manufacturing sectors in Baltimore are not immune to the effects of these tariffs. With higher costs for imported steel and aluminum, local construction projects may face budget overruns, leading to delays or cancellations. Manufacturers relying on these materials could see increased production costs, which might be passed on to consumers or result in reduced profit margins. This scenario could hinder economic growth and job creation in these vital sectors.
Uncertainty and Economic Stability
The broader economic implications of the tariffs add a layer of uncertainty to the region’s economic stability. While President Trump asserts that the tariffs will strengthen the economy in the long term, local leaders and economists are concerned about the immediate negative impacts. This unpredictability can affect business investment decisions, consumer confidence, and overall economic growth in the Baltimore area.
In an article written in the Baltimore Sun:
Governor Wes Moore is arguably embroiled in the most difficult moment of his political career thus far. He’s the governor of a state with a $3.3 billion deficit that is seeing its top industries — medicine, education and federal work — get decimated in Trump’s second term.
The newly imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are set to have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences for the Baltimore metropolitan area. From disrupting port operations and agricultural activities to increasing consumer prices and straining the construction and manufacturing sectors, the ripple effects of these tariffs could hinder economic growth and affect the livelihoods of many residents. It is crucial for state and local policymakers to consider these local impacts and work towards mitigating the adverse effects on Baltimore’s economy. This is all hands on deck!
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St. Patrick’s Day, observed every year on March 17th, is a holiday rich in history and cultural significance. What started as a solemn religious feast day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, festive gatherings, and a whole lot of green. But where did it all begin, and how has it changed over the centuries?
The Origins of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people in the 5th century. According to legend, Patrick was originally from Roman Britain and was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of 16. After years of captivity, he escaped, later returning to Ireland as a missionary. His work in spreading Christianity throughout the country led to his widespread veneration after his death, believed to have occurred on March 17th, around the year 461.
One of the most famous legends about St. Patrick is that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). While there’s no historical evidence to support this, the shamrock remains one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday.
How St. Patrick’s Day Evolved
Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious holiday observed primarily in Ireland. It was a solemn occasion, with people attending church services and spending time in quiet reflection. Until the 20th century, even Irish pubs were closed on March 17th in observance of the day.
However, as Irish immigrants spread across the world—especially to the United States—the holiday took on a new life. In cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day became a time to celebrate Irish identity and pride. The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in New York City in 1762, not Ireland! Over time, festivities grew more elaborate, and the day became associated with lively parades, music, and social gatherings.
How St. Patrick’s Day Is Celebrated Today
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated far beyond Ireland, with festivities spanning continents. Some of the most famous traditions include:
1. Parades and Festivals
Major cities like Dublin, New York, Chicago, and London host large-scale St. Patrick’s Day parades, featuring marching bands, floats, and Irish dancers. In the U.S., the New York City parade is the largest, attracting millions of spectators each year.
2. Wearing Green
One of the most recognizable traditions is wearing green clothing and accessories. This custom is tied to Irish folklore, which claims that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns—mischievous fairy-like creatures known for pinching anyone they see.
3. The Chicago River Dyeing
In a unique tradition, the city of Chicago dyes its river bright green every year in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This practice dates back to 1962 when local plumbers first used an environmentally friendly dye to turn the river green, creating a spectacle that now draws huge crowds.
4. Irish Food and Drink
Traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and soda bread are enjoyed at St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. In many places, pubs serve green beer and Irish whiskey, though in Ireland itself, the day has become less focused on drinking and more on cultural celebrations.
5. Celebrations in Ireland
While St. Patrick’s Day was once a quiet, religious occasion in Ireland, modern celebrations have grown to include large public events, particularly in Dublin, where a multi-day festival features parades, concerts, and cultural performances. Many Irish families still attend church services before joining in the festivities.
The Global Impact of St. Patrick’s Day
What began as a religious observance has transformed into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage. From Sydney to Tokyo to Buenos Aires, landmarks around the world—including the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building, and even the Great Wall of China—are illuminated in green to honor the occasion.
While the ways people celebrate have evolved, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day remains the same: a day of unity, pride, and appreciation for Irish culture. Whether you’re Irish by blood or simply Irish for the day, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate the luck, lore, and legacy of the Emerald Isle.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! How do you celebrate? Let us know in the comments!
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