When we get involved in our communities we help to fulfill an important role in America’s infrastructure. Everyday citizens in towns all across the Nation and West Virginia, come together every day to help build-up our broken communities and work together to inspire future generations to answer this same call for public service.

This type of local involvement helps to better our communities from within by stepping up and working side by side with law enforcement and government officials on the pressing issues currently facing our communities such as addiction, crime and the need for more economic growth.

One way of getting involved is through community crime prevention, one of the most effective ways to help our local law enforcement officials combat crime. Whether it is teaching kids to “just say no,” watching neighbors’ children, or forming neighborhood watch groups, local law enforcement officials depend on the support of community-led initiatives to succeed. The active involvement of citizens and the presence of local law enforcement in communities is a winning combination that has proven to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

West Virginians prides ourselves on our community spirit, which shines through best when we focus on one of our most valuable resources, our children. This past year two counties in southern West Virginia, Mercer and Monroe were again honored as two of the nation’s “100 Best Communities for Youth” by America’s Promise Alliance. These counties have dedicated themselves to fostering a healthy, safe and caring environment for our young leaders.

These two communities are just two examples of how southern West Virginians can work together to instill a sense of civic responsibility and generate economic opportunity for their community. When we involve our young people within their communities, we show them the limitless possibilities their futures can hold, by playing a role in the development of their communities today.

I pledge to support this hard work and dedication of my fellow West Virginians, by continuing in my work to make the communities in the Third District a healthy and nurturing environment for families to live and raise their children. I will continue to support programs such as the Drug Free Communities grant program and the Safe and Drug Free Schools program that are invaluable tools when it comes to preventing and reducing substance abuse, particularly with our teenagers and young adults.

West Virginia native and renowned author Pearl S. Buck once said, “If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.” When teachers, civic leaders, parents, children, the young and the old come together to better their communities we pick up that mantle and choose to create environments where children and families have boundless opportunities.