Strength in numbers. When we work together, we're stronger. Better. The most important part of YorkCounts is you. Use this page to take action in collaboration with YorkCounts or in support of the YorkCounts mission. These are ways you can say, "Count me in." We all appreciate our community and want it to be an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.


Things You Can Do
Together with YorkCounts


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead

Individuals
1. Volunteer with YorkCounts!
2. Join the conversation.

Organizations
3. Form compacts or engagements with us.
4. Request a speaker.
5. Incorporate the YorkCounts agenda.
6. Target your resources.



1. Volunteer with YorkCounts!
Lend your leadership, knowledge and enthusiasm directly to the YorkCounts process by getting involved with one of our boards and task forces. We are always looking for more help and fresh input, whether you are an executive, a professional, a retired York Countian, a parent or a student at an area college. E-mail us at yorkcounts@gmail.com or e-mail YorkCounts Director James DeBord directly to say, "Count me in!"


2. Join the conversation.
The YorkCounts blog contains the latest information on YorkCounts projects and interests. Add your public comments to the dialogue on the blog. (Comments on the YorkCounts blog are moderated.)


3. Form compacts or engagements with us.
YorkCounts' agenda is largely based on 30 ready solutions, or community improvement ideas, upon which agencies and groups can choose to build. This happens by way of compacts and engagements, which are two kinds of agreements YorkCounts signs with collaborating organizations. Take a look at the 30 ready solutions and see whether your organization might want to take the lead on one or more. If so, learn more about compacts and engagements, then contact us at 717/815-6430 or yorkcounts@gmail.com to get started! This is the most valuable way in which an organization can become more involved in YorkCounts endeavors.


4. Request a speaker.
Would you like your board, staff, employees, students, colleagues or social group to know more about YorkCounts? Call us at 717/815-6430, e-mail us at yorkcounts@gmail.com or reach YorkCounts Director James DeBord directly to request a speaker for your next meeting. We find that this kind of direct communication is the best way to spread the message about YorkCounts -- and it often helps connect us to new volunteers!


5. Incorporate the YorkCounts agenda.
No other organization in York County works on all of the issues YorkCounts works on. (That's largely why we came to be.) But many nonprofits and others do focus on one or more issues that are also of interest to YorkCounts -- from education and economic development to health and diversity. Take a look at YorkCounts' 30 ready solutions for community improvement, the Metro-York recommendations and the rest of the information on this site to find out how YorkCounts is acting to build a better, stronger York County. If what we want is what you want, emphasize it -- tell us about the goals we're sharing -- and let your board, staff and supporters know that YorkCounts is a like-minded organization.


6. Target your resources.
If your organization is a funder in the York County community, consider the YorkCounts agenda when directing your financial resources. We're all in this together. Many groups can be working toward one common goal: a better, stronger York County.


Things You Can Do
in Support of YorkCounts


"In a world where there is so much to be done, I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do." --Dorothea Dix

1. Write a letter to the editor.
2. Write -- or call -- your elected officials.
3. Support the local economy.
4. Spend time in downtown York & York County.
5. Celebrate York County's diversity.
6. Be a York County ambassador.
7. Support arts and culture in York County.
8. Volunteer.
9. Participate in your government.



1. Write a letter to the editor.
Keep it to less than 300 words. Right now, we're encouraging letters in support of the Metro-York recommendations! Here are the addresses:


2. Write -- or call -- your elected officials.
We hear more and more -- from legislators in particular -- that elected officials take notice when a number of e-mails come in on the same subject. Encourage leaders to support both the YorkCounts process and its outcomes!

Whose district am I in?


3. Support the local economy.
Buy local. Support small retailers and restaurateurs. The York County Chamber of Commerce has a searchable database of all members and a list of new members. The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce also has an online member directory. The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture has a searchable database of local food growers -- and you can also search the PA Preferred website for what's grown or raised in York County.


4. Spend time in downtown York & York County.
Commit to going downtown four times or more this year. There's a lot happening downtown this week and this month! The website for Downtown York, Inc. lists the city's galleries and museums... shopping, dining and entertainment venues... nightlife... even information on parking... and a great downtown map. Separately, the publishers of the Daily Record and Dispatch website FlipSidePA includes a comprehensive online events calendar listing what's happening from the city to all corners of the county. And don't forget about the York Revolution -- Atlantic League baseball at Sovereign Bank Stadium.


5. Celebrate York County's diversity.
The York County Community Against Racism and the York Jewish Community Center list boundless opportunities for action, from festivals like the picnic at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park to educational experiences for elementary and secondary students and adults.


6. Be a York County ambassador.
Promote the positive qualities of our community. Welcome visitors and newcomers -- tell them about the YorkCounts website, for one, to show off the good things happening in York, and read an excellent York Daily Record article about what new residents think about and where you can point them to get to know York.


7. Support arts and culture in York County.
Become a member. Take in a show. Volunteer your time. Make a contribution. The Cultural Alliance of York County advocates for all of the county's major cultural institutions and maintains its own calendar of events.


8. Volunteer.
Volunteer to help a nonprofit agency that deals with issues such as education, housing, the environment, race relations, or farmland preservation. The United Way of York County and its member agencies offer numerous opportunities -- check the United Way's online Volunteer Center, its featured opportunities directory or its up-to-the-minute list of needs. VolunteerMatch also hosts York County volunteer opportunity listings. If you have a leadership role -- at a company, in a faith group, wherever -- encourage the people you lead to be active volunteers, too.


9. Participate in your government.
Attend meetings. Serve on local boards and commissions. Run for office. VOTE.






YorkCounts - 605 S. George St., Suite 160 - York, PA 17401
717/815-6430 - yorkcounts@gmail.com
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