As I’ve traveled throughout the state, I hear a common message from residents: they want to play an active role in revitalizing struggling neighborhoods. They’re interested in being a part of the solution, and not dwelling on challenges, and their enthusiasm presents an incredible opportunity for the future of our towns, and for the future of our state.

It’s a chance to build on the many great things happening throughout Delaware today. Wilmington, for example, belongs to all of us, and the outlook for Delaware is tied directly to its fate. We’ve seen great community contributions through the Public Safety Commission that the General Assembly and I created to address crime. By speaking out, residents have had a direct impact on new crime fighting initiatives. Passionate community advocates are also the driving force behind the Wilmington Education Advisory Committee, which my office created to improve educational opportunities for city youth. The group’s recommendations have resulted in policy changes and in further legislation that I’ll proudly sign into law with the goal of giving families and the community a better chance to engage in their schools. This week we built on these efforts at the first Governor’s Wilmington Volunteer and Resources Fair. Community members found new opportunities to get involved and give back to their city through organizations like the Food Bank of Delaware, Volunteer Delaware, Americorps and many others.

The lesson we must take from all of this is a reminder that most of the solutions to our challenges won’t be found in Legislative Hall. If we tap into the energy of the many selfless Delawareans who want to give their time to help friends, families and neighbors, we will keep Delaware moving forward.

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