In Maricopa, Mayor Nancy Smith is spearheading a push to honor local doers and dreamers, dubbing them "Community Champions." Smith, who has been at the city's helm, wants residents to take a hands-on approach to reshape their city from the ground up. She beckons community members to become not just residents, but active architects of their shared future.
In her efforts to encourage active civic engagement, Smith aptly quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., saying, "[Humans] are called upon not to be like a thermometer conforming to the temperature of society, but [they] must be like a thermostat serving to transform the temperature of society." The Mayor is using this concept to inspire residents to get involved, to step forward, and to justly be the leaders they await.
The City Council didn't waste any time either, highlighting six champions during the State of the City as exemplars of the very cause they seek to promote. But the efforts don't end there. Maricopa has now rolled out a nomination platform, so residents can put a spotlight on individuals or groups making an actual difference in the community.
According to the city's official announcement, a Community Champion can be anyone from those who volunteer their time, to those who infuse the community with fresh, innovative ideas. “Embrace positivity, get educated, get empowered, and actively engage in crafting the future of Maricopa," Mayor Smith charged in her address. This initiative aims to literally elevate those who are making a tangible impact through their deeds, inspiring others, and nurturing the growth of Maricopa's economy and social fabric.
Mayor Smith emphasizes there is no act too small or grand when it comes to strengthening the community. Maricopa awaits to bear witness and celebrate more of its own standing up and stepping out, as the city looks to shed light on compelling tales of its residents' contributions. For those knowing someone deserving such recognition, the city implores to hear your voice. They are ready to share the stories of Maricopa's true game-changers and, in turn, possibly inspire an entire generation.
