It only takes a few positive, inclusive voices to really shape how a place is viewed. I was really proud to read this statement of inclusiveness on the welcome page of the Glenville Democrat-Pathfinder web site in Gilmer County:

Because so many people are expected to move to Gilmer County in 2007, we editors and the below sponsors of this welcoming page want to stress – in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. – that YOU are most WELCOME in Gilmer County and the State of West Virginia. Most importantly, be assured that we Gilmer Countians will continue to greet all of YOU NEWCOMERS – who may come from a variety of ethnic, racial and national origins – with our county’s signature salute, “Welcome, friends!”

Not only do I love the optimism (“so many people are expected to move to Gilmer County…”), the editor, David Corcoran, has made it crystal clear that Gilmer County is a place for everyone. How awesome! Not only that, look at the list of city and county businesses and leaders who signed on to this incredible statement.

What kind of difference would it make if all our cities and towns – our state! – had this kind of powerful statement on their web sites and welcome signs? Way to go Glenville! Feel free to forward the Democrat-Pathfinder’s URL to your local paper and ask if a similar message could be delivered for your community.