If we look all around us at the challenges of working together and building community today, a couple of thoughts come to mind. These thoughts relate to two key community subjects that are opportunities to address the challenge as a community of people.

Before addressing these topics, what is required is an attitude that sees these subjects as investments in our future. That attitude of investing in our future is just that. We see these areas as providing a significantly positive return for our community on any investment of time, talent and resources. We will see a healthy return on such investment for the building of healthy communities, which seems to be under attack today.

What are these two areas? Education and Community Foundations. One seems obvious, while one not as well understood.

EDUCATION

First of all, education can provide the opportunity for learners to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to the community.

Quality education can drive economic growth. It can attract business growth by establishing a skilled workforce. By providing access to quality education for all learners and investing in work that is all about building community, their investments can address robustly the issues of poverty, mental health, hunger and homelessness more effectively and create a stronger sense of equity and community, which more than ever before is a necessary requirement.

A healthy education system can enhance the quality of life across our communities. It can lead to healthier lifestyles and encourage a more engaged community, which can support a more vibrant and cohesive community. It frankly is healthy for the individual as well as collectively for the community as a whole.

There is no more important subject to invest in than education. It is THE cornerstone on which to build and no matter the spending that occurs across units of government, sometimes mind boggling, we cannot have education suffer the consequence of luxury level public spending. 

Our children are our future and for that reason I’d urge your support of the upcoming school district referendum. It is an investment in the future of our communities. In doing that, take note that the Eastern Carver County School District has been good stewards of its assets and resources.

If there is a suggestion for improvement of government, it lies with local units of government acting in isolation rather than taking into account a larger view of what is important to build healthy communities, and when you do that you must conclude it begins with a healthy education system, and we all should be advocates for that shared vision.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS

Community foundations will become more and more part of the landscape of potentially investong in our towns and make them the best they can be. Today, they are still relatively not well understood, but what they can do is provide every person the opportunity to invest in their community, at any level.

These foundations can foster a culture of learning and resilience as communities face growth and change. Community foundations provide opportunities for people to engage and make a difference. These foundations give us all an opportunity to contribute to the building of community.

TOGETHER

Our education system and community foundations support the building of community connectedness and cohesion that leads to an enhanced sense of belonging. Investment In these two areas support the building of communities that lead to more collaboration and mutual support across members of the community.

As we see spending sky rocket in other areas, we cannot let it impact our willingness to invest in education and our future, or take away from the potential of community foundations which provides a vehicle for all to participate in investing in the long-term sustainability of the community.

By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to address environmental, social and economic challenges, communities can build a more sustainable future for generations to come. A future that is prosperous, inclusive and resilient for all of its residents as they face the challenges of today and tomorrow. It’s an investment that today will pay dividends for years to come!

And again, please cast your ballot of support for the upcoming school district referendum on Nov. 4. Support of this request will help to ensure our children and their future, our future, can be one that continues to be built on quality learning experiences, delivered by committed and dedicated educators. It is a competitive advantage for those communities that invest in education.

(Bob Roepke is a former mayor of Chaska.)