Wherever we live, whether New York or British Columbia, we all have our own perceptions of “community.”  Usually, these perceptions are formed by the concrete reality of the world immediately around us. It may be a bustling metropolis, a town, a tiny village, a large county, a broad rural area. It is the place we call home — with all its good and bad features, its beauty and ugliness, its strengths and weaknesses. Every individual has a voice in shaping the world around him, and every individual can make that voice heard. Make your voice heard in your community. No matter what you choose get involved!
 

PRO-LIFE
The Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child observation held annually on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25). On this event Knights, Squires and their families should pray, fast and work to restore respect and protection to the child before birth. Also consider sponsoring events to support pro-life organizations and/or promote the respect life cause.

Promote and support the Order’s pro-life efforts by displaying materials featuring the theme, “Defend Life.”• Distribute the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of life as outlined in the Study Guide to Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) . The guide has been prepared by the Knights of Columbus for groups and individuals who wish to become more familiar with the Church’s teaching on the respect due human life as presented by Pope John Paul II in his 11th encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. Resources from K of C:  Statement on Life and  Recommended Pro-Life Links.
 

The nature and urgency of this threat should not be misunderstood. Respect for the dignity of the human person demands a commitment to human rights across a broad spectrum: "Both as Americans and as followers of Christ, American Catholics must be committed to the defense of life in all its stages and in every condition." 4 The culture of death extends beyond our shores: famine and starvation, denial of health care and development around the world, the deadly violence of armed conflict and the scandalous arms trade that spawns such conflict. Our nation is witness to domestic violence, the spread of drugs, sexual activity which poses a threat to lives, and a reckless tampering with the world's ecological balance. Respect for human life calls us to defend life from these and other threats.(S)

VOLUNTEERISM
There is a growing need for volunteers to find and implement the solutions to society’s problems. These volunteers make an important difference in our world. Rally the other organizations in your community to work with your council in solving community problems. Recognize outstanding volunteer efforts within your own council. Following a council event, present a certificate of appreciation to those members who made the activity a success by donating their valuable time and talents. Participate in the National Day of Service established by the National Fraternal Congress of America.  “Make a Difference Day.” Information is available through the “Make a Difference Day”.

HUMAN NEEDS 
Assist those in need of housing. A roof over one’s head is a fundamental right. Raise money to support homeless shelters and low-cost housing. Help renovate and repair buildings to house the needy. Support efforts to help the homeless help themselves, find jobs and take their place in society.  Defeat hunger — an ever-present reality for millions around the world. Food banks and soup kitchens rely on volunteer manpower. Donate your council’s services. Also donate food or conduct food drives in your council and community. Start a community garden, with all the produce grown to be donated to local community groups or agencies helping the needy. Remember, people are hungry every day of the year, not only at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Support groups that deliver meals to homebound people such as Meals on Wheels programs. For more information contact the group providing the service in the local community.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
 Find out what your community has in recreational and cultural opportunities. Ask yourself what it lacks. Study what you can do to upgrade, strengthen, support and encourage sound programs of recreation and culture for the people of your community.  Promote penal reform. Help convicts help themselves. Write letters, make visits, help the families of inmates, offer to teach prisoners any special skills you have, encourage local businesses to consider hiring ex-convicts.  Show pride in your country by displaying the flag properly at council meetings, patriotic events, community wide programs. Distribute Supreme Council literature and decals promoting flag use and patriotism.  Use the opportunity to also encourage all Third Degree Knights to reach their fullest potential of Knighthood by joining the Fourth Degree — the patriotic degree.

ENVIRONMENT
 Plant trees. The destruction of the earth's forests is one of today's greatest environmental hazards. Organize tree planting projects and help ensure that your trees survive. Organize clean ups of parks, beaches, empty lots and neighborhoods. Sort the trash you collect into recycling categories and bring it to a recycling center. Recycle all the items that you can. Collect newspapers for reuse in pulp-making; save deposit bottles and aluminum cans for redemption; contribute toys, furniture and clothing to charitable organizations instead of throwing them away.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Host a Blue Mass to honor law enforcement officials and firefighters. The event should include a time for fellowship with the “blue knights” and programs explaining to them the spiritual and material benefits that come from membership in our Order. Use this Mass as an opportunity to present your council’s “Firefighter of the Year” and “Police Officer of the Year” honor to deserving individuals. Be sure to consult their chaplains and pastors when planning this event. 

Take a stand against drunk drivers — the number one killer on highways — and work toward getting the drunk driver off the road. To find out more about what your council can do, contact your local or state police department or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

HEALTH SERVICES
Focus public attention on heart disease — a leading cause of death, but a disease for which the risk can be decreased. Bulletin boards, newsletter articles and public forums should highlight National Cholesterol Education Month in September. A high blood cholesterol level is one of the three major modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Also encourage people to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation — the procedures for use in case of cardiac emergencies. Local heart association, Red Cross or other health authorities may be able to help you plan appropriate public information events. Do everything possible to help the sick. Visit patients in the hospital or provide transportation for family and friends to visit. Help a hospital patient take care of those things he or she can’t — at home or at work, with children or relatives, with merchants or creditors. Provide the same types of services for homebound patients.

DECENCY
Get involved in stemming the flood of pornography engulfing our communities. It is essential that concerned citizens be aware of the magnitude of this problem and become part of the solution.  Report violations of community standards to those responsible for enforcing the law. Every citizen complaint must be investigated. Complaints to the authorities are the most effective single
action a citizen can take. Make direct personal complaints or petition-type complaints to store owners or theater
operators who display or sell obscene materials. Send letters to newspaper editors, radio and television station managers, objecting to offensive advertising for “R” and “X” rated motion pictures.