We want YOU for Team Bristol Rising!

Champion Charles “CC” Cyr shares the basis for Rising members’ involvement in the cause and the numerous ways others can join the team:

We want YOU for Team Bristol Rising!

This article goes hand in hand with Bristol Rising Champion Andy Adams’ article last week on enthusiasm.

Vol-un-teer – n a person who undertakes some task or service of his/her own free will. See also offer, enlist, engage, chip in, and come forward.

Vol-un-tar-y adj acting, made or done freely, not under constraint of compulsion. See also elective, free, un-coerced, willful, and willingly.

Bristol Rising has a core group of a dozen or so champions who have come forward for the betterment of their downtown. Check out what some of our members are saying about why they share their time for Bristol Rising activities:

“I volunteer because I believe many people go their entire life without doing anything worth doing and I won’t let that be me. I volunteer for the revitalization project because it’s an easy project to get behind, with so much potential positive change, and it’s a way for me to give back to the city and community that has given me so much.” – David

“I grew up in Bristol and while I have spent years out of town, ultimately I chose to raise my family here, realizing it’s a pretty nice place to be. I initially volunteered because I was invited. I ‘stayed’ because I/we are making a difference. If you can make a difference, why wouldn’t you?? The energy of the B.R. volunteers is amazing!!! It’s the best way I can contribute to my community now. I know we’re all committed until other towns and more of our residents realize Bristol is ‘the place to be’!” – Kristie

“I’d looked at that empty lot for so long wondering why the people of Bristol didn’t seem to care–and here was a group that did care and was going to do something about it! I like the fact that you can volunteer for a variety of things: information/recruiting booths, clean-ups, marching in parades, videos to support new businesses–there’s something for everyone. This is history in the making–why would I want to sit on the sidelines?? “ – Kaye

“I volunteer because it gives me an opportunity to give back to my community, meet new friends, have fun and make a difference. The downtown revitalization is a cause that I have become very passionate about because when the project is complete, the community of Bristol will have a wonderful place to gather,meet new people and support those who have invested in opening a business. I volunteer because it makes me feel good to know I am making a difference so that my children and grandchildren will have a downtown to live, work, shop and/or play.” – Andrea

As you may know, there are many opportunities where you can help in the revitalization of downtown Bristol. Here are just some of the many ways you can contribute:

1. Collaborate with others to revitalize Bristol’s downtown.
2. Submit, vote, and campaign for the ideas you like.
3. Participate in monthly meet ups.
4. Discuss important topics in our forums.
5. Learn about crowdsourced placemaking and how it will revitalize our downtown
6. Approach your favorite restaurant owner, grocery store, pet groomer, gym, clothing store, etc., and ask them if they’d like to be part of this incredible vibrant downtown that’s currently on the drawing board, but will soon to be a reality. Retail recruitment is really taking off and Bristol Rising members are playing an integral part. Check out the massive list of businesses that may be recruited.

Another major event in which you have an opportunity to give to your community is the much anticipated Pop Up Piazza Festival held August 4, 2012 on Main Street, Bristol. This event needs many hands to help it run smoothly. If you are interested in offering your services for this event or wish to play any role in Bristol’s revitalized downtown please contact Mark (mark@bristolrising.com ) or Jessica (jessica@bristolrising.com) whether you can help out with distributing flyers before the event or can spare an hour or two during the event. Come check us out, we’ll be the ones wearing the cool new Bristol Rising 2.0 t-shirts. In the meantime, click on our Volunteers Needed page and join the family that has become Team Bristol Rising as we work together for the betterment of our community.

There will be a Pop Up Piazza volunteer meeting Wednesday August 1, 2012 6pm at 2nd floor Staff Lounge, City Hall.

In conclusion, let me share a quote forwarded by Betty, another Rising Champion:

You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.
– Winston Churchill