In Athens, young adults spent two years in public service. Many over 30 formed a huge city council to make laws for the population.
In Rome, citizens had extensive and regular civic duties. Elected officials served only one-year terms, so many would have the opportunity of being leaders.
In Israel, land owning parents administered the law among all relatives, boarders, and workers on their land. Parents taught law and literacy to their children.
In England, families contributed labor to the castle guard, just as in America men rotated duty as night watchmen. Both democracies had extensive militia and jury duty requirements.
Today, Americans shirk even jury duty and can’t be bothered to vote in local elections. We have withdrawn from charitable causes, and civic, electoral, and church participation. We are too busy with social media, video gaming, Netflix binging, on-line shopping, porno, and the new sports gambling craze to be of service to our country and our fellow human beings.
The shame falls squarely on business, political, and even church leaders, who regularly invite us to lead highly privatized lives dedicated to their products, services and causes. Can’t we do better?
This March, Bay Aging is celebrating a very special March for Meals honoring the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the federal legislation that helps support programs like Meals on Wheels. Bay Aging’s unique community make-up allows us to deliver a holistic approach to care. Not only are older adults receiving a meal, but they also see a friendly face to check up on their needs and provide much welcomed socialization. They also have the support of Bay Aging’s staff to provide any other needed social, medical, or transportation supports and referrals. In fact, 99% of Bay Aging’s meal recipients feel the program has improved their quality of life. Volunteers, who deliver so much more than a meal, ensure that older adults’ inability to go to the grocery store doesn’t mean they will go hungry.
