Local Heroes

The Cincinnati Enquirer published an article today about the role that local web-based communities play in connecting neighbors, resolving disagreements, and airing grievances. From euchre night at the sub-development clubhouse to snow removal around the local township, why not put it online? (Tip to Cincinnati Blog.)

One year ago I saw firsthand how e-media could stir genuine change.

Someday the story should be told in full: The highly regarded principal at my local Catholic parish was fired without provocation by an oddball priest. The community was outraged, and with the help of a key website*, organized protests, meetings, and media outreach. Miraculously the principal was reinstated, due in part to these efforts.

That glib summary cannot describe the roller-coaster of emotions that was experienced by the thousands of people in the Pleasant Ridge community in those weeks. It was a matter of dignity, trust, and old-fashioned faith. But it can also be an object lesson in how a collective sense of "we're not putting up with this", by people equipped with good communication tools can get the job done.

* The site is now down, but still remembered by the Google Cache.