By Murat Guzel, Natural Food Group
When I came to America from Turkey to complete my graduate work I was welcomed into the community. I was proud to be part of the great American community founded on the principles of democracy, where community service, volunteerism, partnerships and civil discourse were a beacon of light for those of us that had yearned for an inclusive society.
Today, I hear the discontent from fellow neighbors and co-workers, the concern that our society seems to be coming apart at the seams. But, America is a great country with a strong idealistic foundation, and we can overcome the divide to become a unified nation once again through compassion and engagement in our own communities.
Our community is our extended family and we must focus on communication, empathy and supporting our collective well-being. Volunteering and community service are the first step in mending the torn fabric of our society. Raising up our community and showing pride is much more than hanging an American flag. It is about giving back to the community and developing partnerships.
Businesses must set an example of community leadership through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. The chamber focuses on helping businesses thrive, but we must also focus on making the community that the employees and family members live in thrive.
I am proud to be a governing board member of Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, which is the sixth largest chamber in the nation. I commend the great work President and CEO Toni Iannelli has done to encourage businesses to connect with community members, but we must expand our community partnerships to include more than just our Main Streets. Business leaders and organizations like the chamber need to give back to the community and help address the challenges we face, such as homelessness, access to healthy food, poverty and substance use.
One example of a community and business partnership that has made an impact is the SHE program. SHE is an after-school program that promotes girls’ self-esteem, personal well-being, resilience, healthy relationships, teamwork, leadership and academic success. The program was the idea of Alan Jennings, the former CEO of Community Action Lehigh Valley.
The program created an avenue for girls to have opportunities and mentorships that have a positive impact on their lives.
As a proud father of two beautiful daughters who share a great love for community service, I recognize the challenges girls face in today’s society from self-image to bullying to pathways to careers. Through workshops, mentorships and field trips to Broadway or the state capitol to meet Gov. Tom Wolf, the girls in SHE see opportunity and hope.
“They’ve encouraged me to not be so shy when I’m talking to people, and try to stick up for myself when people are being a bit mean to me,” one fifth grade student said. She said she enjoys making friends in the program and learning ways to handle life situations. Opening doors for these students gives me great hope and purpose.
The program has reminded me of that beacon of light I followed to America. The task to unite America is not an easy one, but the great American experiment requires all of us, including the chamber and businesses, giving back to our community, volunteering, being a good neighbor and helping each other to be successful.
Finally, as we enjoy our summer, let us consider adding community service to our plans.
I am honored to be on the advisory committee of America250PA working with Executive Director Cassandra Coleman to plan America’s 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. We hope to engage all citizens to remember the commonwealth’s history, celebrate the birth of our nation and inspire future leaders.
One vital component that I am proud to sponsor is America250PA’s Pennsylvania Day, a statewide community service day that helps promote a healthier future for all Pennsylvanians. This commission is looking for more business partnerships and this is an excellent opportunity to give back to our community.
As the semiquincentennial approaches in 2026, I am reminded of what the Founding Fathers taught us. During this great political division, Thomas Jefferson said in his inaugural address, “unite with one heart and one mind; let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty, and even life itself, are but dreary things.” George Washington called for civic charity to form a more perfect union.
It is time to join together and remember that there is nothing more patriotic than giving back to the great people of this country.
Murat Guzel is the CEO of Natural Food Group in Whitehall Township.
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