Apathy. According to the dictionary that means lack of interest, or concern. Sometimes apathy is a symptom of a larger issue we’re facing, like trauma, grief, or an underlying mental health condition. It could be the heat. Considering what
our region has encountered in the last several years that would be understandable.

Viable communities and organizations cannot thrive in an environment of indifference.

Recently, I visited several communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. The appearance of each told me right off how the community feels about itself. One community obviously has no code enforcement with abandoned and deteriorated 
buildings everywhere. Litter was atrocious. Another community was the opposite. Litter free, street signs were large and the downtown historic district was clean and viable. Another city has a large historic district with neat houses and shops. It’s the kind of place you like to visit and would be inviting to future residents.

A glaring issue in our region and state is apathy about our litter problem. The Alliance has joined Keep Louisiana Beautiful and in conjunction with the Pick It Up Calcasieu Campaign, we are challenging all businesses in our area to become a
“Clean Biz Partner.” Businesses can sign up by visiting the KLB website at: Keeplouisianabeautiful.org/clean biz. 

Apathy by residents about litter is evident. We all have a stake in how our communities look. Living in a litter-filled area is psychologically depressing. Allowing litter to pile up in streets and ditches, blow out the back of pickup trucks, throwing trash including cigarette butts out the window, and illegal dumping are primary causes of the problem. Houses, businesses, and vacant lots overgrown with grass and weeds is a major indicator of a “don’t care” attitude. Thank you to the city and parish governments for bringing condemnation proceedings against property owners who have abandoned their property. Thanks to the Ward 3 and Ward 4 Marshalls for their efforts to ticket those who litter. 

But litter is not only the reveal of apathy. Participation in church or civic organizations is another measure. Usually only a small percentage of members actually participate. 

Election participation is dismal. Some elections have been decided with less than 20% of registered voters. October 14 is the next election date. Show you care by getting involved as a candidate or supporting worthy candidates. With the Governor and all statewide races, all state legislative seats, Police Jury, Sheriff, and other parish- wide offices on the ballot, this should be a huge turnout. 

However, election observers are estimating only 45-50% turnout at best. Be sure your family, friends, and co-workers are registered to vote and in the district of their current address.

Indifference is often seen in businesses by employees when potential customers arrive. Failing to promptly greet customers and assisting them is a turn-off. In an effort to improve customer service, The Chamber SWLA is beginning our second
round of Customer Training Classes for employees. The cost is included in Chamber Membership except at the basic level. Details about the offerings are on the Alliance website.

Our region has come through major weather events and we are on the rise again. Our people know how to survive and tremendous progress has been made. Numerous rebuilding projects have been completed or are underway and new projects are coming including large industrial projects. 

We can become a region of choice if we do a self-examination to be sure we don’t cave in to apathy, but instead, become known for passion and caring. It will help put our communities on the map and create a place where today’s and
future generations will want to live.