Teamwork makes the dream work. It takes a village. Many hands make light work. Pick your favorite phrase. They can all be applied to describe the need for community involvement in making local events possible. Norwalk is described as having a small-town feel and a strong sense of community, which some fear we’ll lose as our town continues to grow. I’d like to propose that, if everyone committed to volunteering for just one shift, at one event during the year, we’d not only keep our sense of community intact but foster a more supportive and caring one. We’d also share in the benefits of more attractions, more events and more investment from our local (or new) businesses.

Volunteering allows you to learn more about the needs, challenges and strengths of your community, which results in your becoming a more informed and engaged citizen. You become aware of local issues and initiatives that are working towards positive change. You get to know your neighbors and make new friends and have a unique opportunity to work alongside local business owners and community leaders. All of this preserves the small-town feel of Norwalk.

At present, most of our local events are organized and supported by the same handful of volunteers who sacrifice their time for the benefit of others, time and time again. The same few names pop up on volunteer registrations and offer to chair committees. To give an example, as we prepare for the Fourth of July celebration (which is expected to attract more than 2,000 people) we have fewer than 10 volunteers signed up.

Pre-pandemic, the number of volunteers was far greater, and the work of event execution was shared by many. Today, our small pool of committee members and local volunteers are burning out from the pressure of running on very little support, often while experiencing criticism and negativity from an online peanut gallery.

Events like the Fourth of July parade and party in the park, RUNorwalk, Music Fest, and the holiday tree lighting, cannot continue without more support from the community. Organizations like ours and Norwalk Hometown Pride do not have the manpower to sustain these events alone. There’s a shared responsibility as a citizen to do your part in helping to keep traditions you enjoy alive.

I urge you to do what you can to make our community a little better. Sign up for a volunteer shift, speak up when you see misinformation being spread online, and remember to thank volunteers every chance you get. Next time you’re enjoying a public event, try to remember that the volunteers around you have given up their holiday/evening/weekend so that you can enjoy yours. Then consider taking a turn. n