I read with interest the announcement of a Town Hall meeting coming in March called “Get on Your Soapbox.” I have a little different take. Mine says “Get off your soapbox.” Be pro-active in Ocean Shores, your community.

To begin with, there are several City boards and committees with multiple vacancies. Join one. There are four City Council positions up for election this year. Run. Schools and kids your thing? Volunteer. You think the Convention Center is useless? Show up for the events. How does the Port spend our money? Go to a Port Commission meeting. Animal lover? PAWS is right down the road. Service clubs? We got ‘em. Kiwanis, Lions and Elks will gladly put you and your skills to work. There are multiple non-profits around earning money to help the library, our parks and waterways. Put your experiences and knowledge to the task of helping these organizations.

Not a joiner? Not a problem, buy locally, support local service businesses, weed your disabled neighbors garden, take a garbage bag on that daily walk and pick up beach trash that’s been washed in. Have a concern but uncomfortable speaking in public? Email our Mayor, Council Members with your concerns and thoughts. Better yet make an appointment and talk face to face.

We have amazing people in our community who make real contributions to Ocean Shores. So, I say Get off the Soapbox and show up!

Cathey Peterson

Ocean Shores