Imagine that you have a chance to support one social cause or group to improve the quality of life in Richmond. What would that cause or group be?

I volunteer at the Richmond Women's Resource Centre and last year we had 57 visits from women seeking shelter. These women are not fleeing violence (Nova House is a safe house for this purpose). These women are in circumstances where they either find themselves (and their children) without a place to stay, or at risk of homelessness and one pay cheque away. Some women immigrate to Canada with their husbands and children and within a year they split up as they find life is not as easy as they thought. So they end up on their own. The Women's Centre more…

I support the Richmond Centre for Disability. Their centre is not only a source of information and education, but its members and consumers get involved in various ways to make Richmond truly inclusive for people with disabilities. The centre is well known and respected as 'being able to get things done'. Their role in helping people with disabilities be independent in their community is evident by the built environment ranging from large-scale civic surroundings to personal places. Their many volunteers also show the community their belief and passion for the centre's mission and values of dignity, knowledge, diversity, and self-determination.

I would like to see more support for the imaginative arts. What Richmond needs is a sense of common identity to bring us together and focus our activity in productive ways. I believe that principally throught the arts we can create this identity, complexify it, bring people's attention to all manner of social issues, and create a vibrant community.

What truly makes Richmond any different than Vancouver or New West or Surrey, or anywhere in Canada? Is there any reason why people should contribute to the municipality and not another, or simply see the social contract as 'the government makes decisions more…

For over 50 years, I have focused on volunteering, with the intent of trying to make a difference in the community of Richmond- - - this, as a result of being inspired 50 years ago by a World Leader who said it was the responsibility of all people to make a difference in their community. He made sense to me then, and his message still does to this day. If we don't pitch in, to do our part, who will?

My goal was to do whatever I could to contribute towards protecting and building on the values, services and vision that more…

One thing I did not include in my posting, which I think is important.

Being involved in the community as a volunteer, and there are many organizations and/or causes you can support, is a wonderful way to meet people who share your values & interests. The greatest thing I come away with from the years I have volunteered is the many friends I have gained, the enjoyment of planning or participating in special projects with them - - - the wonderful memories!!

Volunteering is good for you! Try it!

While many special interest groups have a very positive impact on the quality of life in Richmond, a great many people in Richmond are not connected with any of those groups and do not have meaningful ways of making their voices heard - especially with language and cultural differences in our city. I volunteer with outreach groups and organizations which organize affordable social and cultural events which bring out cross-sections of Richmond residents into their neighborhoods. This online forum is a start, but Richmond should do more to engage groups of Richmond residents in active decision-making (not just providing input) on ideas for improving Richmond.