By Cailín Cullen
Do you know a Changemaker? These are people who care deeply about their community and put in the work year after year in service of a cause or organization at the local level.
The Aurora Public Library District is curating a new Community Voices exhibit that will showcase the work of Changemakers in our community and celebrate their incredible dedication. Community Voices is a library initiative to provide space for community members to share their individual stories. This will be our fifth exhibit, and the process will be slightly different this time. Rather than having folks self-identify, we’re asking for nominations.
This year, the exhibit will be part of the library’s larger work around civic engagement. Librarian Megan Cavitt noted, “Civic duty isn’t just about voting. There are lots of people who contribute to the community in meaningful but less obvious ways. We wanted to celebrate some of those people and hopefully inspire others to get involved in a way that is meaningful to them.”
In an age of infinite browsability, instant gratification, and celebrating cancelled plans, commitment to a cause over a long period of time has become less common than it once was. Folks may still want to get involved, but we’re out of practice. Let’s learn from the people who have been doing the work, day in and day out.
Changemakers love their community, their neighborhood, their block. They want to see it flourish, and they know it won’t happen without sustained commitment. Library assistant Ratna Avasarala describes a Changemaker as someone “who makes a significant, positive impact through acts of courage, kindness, or service. These people often work behind the scenes to save lives, advance justice, or support their communities.”
You may have someone in mind by now; someone who serves on the board of a community organization, volunteers at a local food pantry, works to preserve our local environment, campaigns for change, cares for our most vulnerable populations, or connects people through events, arts, or sports.
If you know an Aurora Changemaker, visit our website to submit a brief nomination form by June 30. Paper copies are also available at any library location.
Cavitt remarked, “As a librarian, I get to see the great work that a lot of community organizations do in Aurora. We are definitely stronger together! However, the individual people who are the building blocks of these organizations often go unrecognized. I would love for the public to learn about the work and care that is already happening.”
Library staff will begin contacting nominees in July. Their stories will form the content of the exhibit, which will be on display in November. Find more information at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/communityvoices.
Cailín Cullen is the genealogy & community history librarian for the Aurora Public Library District.