[Administrator]

We all know that sometimes it is human nature to dwell on the negative issues in our community. By talking about negative subjects, we believe that we can draw attention to issues from others that might have the power to affect change.

In the grand scheme of things, it's easy to overlook the positives that occur in our community every day. Some of those positives may come in a simple smile, or some other good deed.

Over the years, Dodgeboard has brought to light some very positive experiences shared by our members; one where a members credit card did not work at a check-out stand and a person in line behind them payed for their food, another where a police officer touched the life of a small frightened child. There have been hundreds of positive stories like that here on DodgeBoard that have been shared by our members.

I for one, think people are basically good. More specifically, I think the people in Dodge City are good people. I would like to hear more of these positive humanitarian stories. I know they are out there. If you have a story about how you were recently helped by someone or some business in the community, we want to hear from you! What do you think makes a good "citizen"?

Dodgeboard.com has always supported and fostered affecting positive change in the community and the recognition of individuals who help in affecting positive change, whether they be Dodgeboard members, non-members or businesses.

Several posters have suggested that we develop an award program to recognize those in the community that demonstrate their humanity through good deeds or positive behavior. Personally, I think it would be a great idea.

For this reason, I am announcing the inception of the first annual DodgeBoard Citizen of the Year Award. Once a year, we will honor one person with an award that sends a message, "Thanks for affecting positive change in our community" ....from the people of Dodge City. Of course the wording will be carefully chosen to reflect the situation.

Very nice plaques can be custom ordered for around 18.00-25.00 that could express our thanks, as an online community representing Dodge City residents and presented to the recipient in recognition of their contributions to the community. Funds will be drawn from the Dodgeboard.com advertisement revenues, which currently has about enough to cover a very nice plaque.

Nominees will be solicited from our members based on stories/threads shared here on Dodgeboard.com over the past year. Nominees should be concentrated toward non-DodgeBoard members of our local community of Southwest Kansas. After a short nomination process, the registered members will vote for the winner, and I will order the plaque, customized for that recipient.

So please, this is your time to give input, ideas and your 2 cents about the program in general. We will solicit nominations in a separate thread. Tell us how we should handle the selection, the award, and any other ideas you might have.


All ideas are welcomed!

So, What do YOU think?