"Coming Together" is The Tribune's new weekly series that will explore the different ways -- big and small -- that people in Weld County are building community. These people are examples of how each of us can make a difference just by getting involved. The series officially begins April 8.
From the neighbors who come together once a month for a barbecue or game night to the parent who volunteers in the classroom every week, the "Coming Together" series is about people who are engaged in their community. These people are all around us. Tell us about some of the community builders you know. We may be able to feature them and what they do that builds community spirit in a future installment of this series. To submit your story idea, e-mail managing editor Kelly Ann Tracer at ktracer@greeleytribune.com or call her at (970) 392-4422.
· Register to vote, and then vote. To register, go to www.co.weld.co.us or call (970) 353-3840 for a mail form. · Donate blood. North Colorado Medical Center always needs help, 1801 16th St., or call (970) 352-4121.
· Sing in a choir. The Greeley Chorale hosts auditions on Jan. 12 at Frasier Hall at the University of Northern Colorado.
· Volunteer your specific skills. Not sure how? Go towww.volunteermatch.org or call the United Way of Weld County at (970) 353-4300. · Attend PTA meetings. Ask your kids' local schools for more information. · Learn how to garden and share your bounty with an elderly neighbor. UNC offers community garden plots for $25. For more information, call (970) 350-9783 or e-mail karen.scopel@greeleygov.com. · Join a local board. Go to http://greeleygov.com/CityClerk/Boards.aspx for more information, or call (970) 350-9741.
· Hike with others. The Colorado Mountain Club of Weld County is a good place to start. Go to www.cmc.org/groups/groupsweldcounty.aspx for more information.
· Root for local teams. UNC's basketball team is making significant progress, and many high schools have games on Friday nights. Go to www.unco.edu for more information.
· Take a walk around the park and say hi to everyone you run into. Source: These ideas were inspired by a list of "100 things you can do to build social capital." For more ideas, go to www.bettertogether.org.
