by Lynn Forester

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter addressed the country regarding the growing trend of individuals and institutions pursuing their own interests at the expense of others. “I want to talk to you right now about a fundamental threat to American democracy,” he said. “It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of our unity of purpose for our nation.”

Having lived in Claremont for 50 years and volunteered in the community, I’ve gained valuable friendships and skills. What makes Claremont special to me is not just its beauty, but its people.

Claremont is fortunate to have a dedicated community of volunteers. This includes members of the City Council, various commissions, the school board, service clubs, non-profits, PTAs, and youth sports organizations, all of whom contribute significantly to the functioning of our city.

Consider your role in this framework. Have you supported another’s well-being through advocacy, offering meals, contributing to fundraising efforts, volunteering time to provide companionship, or amplifying the voices of those who may not otherwise be heard? Engagement takes many forms: connecting with neighbors, donating to meaningful causes, assisting in classrooms, coaching youth sports, delivering meals to the homebound, supporting the homeless, feeding those in need, participating in service clubs, or simply reaching out to a friend.

Our community depends fundamentally on the selfless dedication of its volunteers. Numerous opportunities to serve are available, regardless of individual perspectives or abilities; there is a place for everyone.

The Claremont Interfaith Council comprises representatives from local faith-based organizations who meet regularly to discuss ongoing initiatives, identify needs, and coordinate assistance. Our conversations focus on issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, refugee support, and other challenges impacting the well-being of our neighbors. This council is composed of energetic and committed volunteers.

Members of the council lend their time to a wide range of service activities, including OLA Homeless Street Ministry, Newcomers Access Center, Character Champion Kids, Circle of Chairs on Interracial Dialogue, Working Group for Middle East Peace, Inland Valley Hope Partners, Newlife Pomona Food Bank, Claremont Education Foundation, Uncommon Good, CLASP, Al-Anon, and Alcoholics Anonymous, among others.

If motivation is needed, readingpartners.org offers the following insight: “Research has shown that giving away your time to help others can actually help you gain some valuable time back. Although this idea seems counterintuitive, a multitude of studies have found that participants of all ages and backgrounds that regularly volunteer feel more accomplished and satisfied with their time spent serving. The connections they made and the time they spent sparked many health and wellness benefits that actually proved to increase their life expectancy and the quality in which they live.” This is based on findings from the Association for Psychological Science.

President Carter’s vision for America represented an enduring commitment. He stated, “We are Americans together, and we must not forget that the common good is our shared interest and our individual responsibility.”

With purposeful action, now is an ideal time to begin helping our community become a reflection of the broader, inclusive world to which we aspire. I look forward to serving alongside you.

Lynn Forester is the liaison to the Claremont Interfaith Council from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.