It’s up to us to make communities stronger

I was a part of the audience that heard Bryan Stevenson (brought here by the University Center For Human Rights, as part of their One Community, One Book program) the brilliant author of Just Mercy, the book follows Bryan from his first challenge representing men (mostly black men) who are on death row.

I heard in his talk the need for all of us to become involved to make a difference in our world. There are many concerns that we need to address, such as the environment, racial justice, medical concerns, the homeless, food banks, crisis issues, affordable housing, accessibility issues, etc.

There are so many organizations and political candidates that are working to address these issues with a shortage of volunteers. Our community needs you, but it's up to you to contact them, learn about what they do, and become involved. Your involvement helps to build a stronger city. You might say you don't have time, it only takes a few hours a week out of your schedule. You might say you wouldn't know what to do, the organization that you choose will train you.

I hope you will become involved in making Iowa City a better place to live.

' Harry Olmstead is a disabilities activist and serves on several civic organizations: Olmstead Task Force, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights and the Iowa City Community School District Equity Advisory Committee.