The phrase community outreach can be interpreted in several different ways depending on the person. The words “community” and “outreach” separately hold a large and primarily important meaning, yet combining the two concepts creates a powerful thing. Over the past 31 years the Bouncing Bulldogs program has existed, community outreach is something that the program strives to do through the sport of jump rope. Though, what does community outreach mean? First through analyzing what “community” and “outreach” mean, it will strengthen my understanding of this year’s theme.
Community is a word that refers to the environment, atmosphere and people you as a person surround yourself with. The community you are raised in can in some ways shape who you are and your identity. Both your community and identity can positively and negatively impact you, yet it is all really about how you choose to react or respond to it. Secondly, the word outreach refers to how you can help other people not only in your community, but around the world. Through outreach, people are able to connect with people from totally different backgrounds than they are used to seeing and give a helping hand to people in need. The amazing aspect about outreach is that it can be done in so many different ways, from teaching little kids how to jump rope for the first time to helping victims affected by the recent hurricanes. Outreach is an amazing opportunity that not only the members of the Bouncing Bulldogs program experience, but many people across the United States and world as well.
Now constructing the theme of community outreach holds one strong existential meaning. Community outreach means to me giving back and helping other people no matter where they are from. I believe the Bulldog program sees the world as one large community, and any chance that we as a team can spread the sport of jump rope as well as help others, we do so. Community outreach is the essence of the Bulldog program, and that’s one aspect which has led the program to be so large and continue to grow. As this season begins, the program must, as it always has, remember the importance of community outreach and how it really helps to make the world a better place.