Tuesday morning, Selma Mayor George Evans and other community leaders discussed ways they could use their influence to improve communities.

The plan that was discussed would incorporate the assistance of local pastors and churches as well to help Selma change its image.

Evans said the two groups can join forces to take on problems like litter and crime and launch community service projects.

Churches have long been a rallying point for similar projects and have proven to be a solid base for community improvement. Hopefully, this plan will prove this to be true once again.

But, it will take more than commissioners, council members and local pastors to make a difference. While they do have great influence, they are still few in number.

No community improvement project will be successful unless the people in the community get on board. Community improvement impacts the people in the community the most, so it stands to reason these citizens would want to be first in line to join the effort. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

There are a lot of people with criticisms and suggestions, but when it is time to get their hands dirty, they are nowhere to be found. Now is your chance to step up to the plate and do something about our problems.

Now is your chance to get your hands dirty, set a positive example and make a difference.

Your participation can be as simple as picking up trash around the neighborhood and reporting criminal activity to the authorities. Neither takes a great deal of effort, but both can turn a community completely around.

When lots of people work together, there is nothing they can’t accomplish. Selma has taken it lumps, but there is no reason to give up. In fact, this should motivate each of us to do more.

When you see pastors or community leaders working to make a difference, reach out and help. What might seem like a small effort can make a huge difference.