Our little town of Nevada City, California has a population of about 3,000. We’re in the midst of a segment of Nevada County that has some 100,000 people.

Community is the theme that’s popping up around here: Community garden, Nevada City Farmers Market, Sustainability and education center, Alliance for Post Petroleum Local Economy, Community Congress … a lot of people are supporting these projects.

Whether supporters are looking for camaraderie in an unstable time (which is better than closing off into hermit-land), or just plain tired of years of do-it-myself hardship, people are taking action.

It’s definitely worth noting, though, that there is one person who provided the seed and starter fluid for each of the above projects, Reinette Senum.

(Readers may remember that I was on her campaign team last year for her successful run for City Council.)

Which leads me to wonder how our collective perspective will continue to change to support someone like this who has Nevada City fast on the track to becoming a model community. She’s not independently wealthy, she barely squeaks by on her rent some months. Her focus lacks self-service more than probably anyone I’ve ever met.

If what she does best is bring the right people together, add ideas and inspiration, stir and then Voila! another project for people to take off running with, how does she get compensated for her contribution to our community?

I’m wondering what other communities do to support their visionaries. I know that our town is way better off for her dedicating her energies toward bettering it. And I’d like to see her continue doing what she does best which is find resources and connect people.

It takes a lot of people to make something happen. One person spouting brilliant ideas will get nowhere if no one is listening. But on the flip side, this group of people was going no where without a leader.

There is a lot we can be doing to secure a safe and healthy future for ourselves. For most of us, this means being flexible and making significant changes in our lives. Rather than this be a daunting prospect, we can let it be an adventure. We are so much more powerful and creative, we have so much more fun. . . when we do it together.

Who are the visionaries in your area? How can you get involved? How can you support them? How can they support you?

Thank you, Reinette, for your tireless energy and dedication. You are an inspiration!