Don't just talk about the problems in our city, pick some issues and work to make things better

There are so many things that can make for good citizens. Voting is something everyone should do once they turn age 18. Cleaning up outside in front of where you live every day makes for a good citizen.

- Thera Martin

Coming out to community meetings and acting as if you care about your neighborhood; makes for being a good citizen. Always striving to come up with tangible ways to uplift your city and your community, that makes for being a good citizen.

Being a good citizen is a part of the pie of what civics is all about. You should know the basic history of our nation. You should know who your elected officials are. You should have a basic understanding of the three branches of our government. You absolutely should obey the laws of our city, state, and nation. Back to being a good citizen. It's civics all wrapped up in a huge ball.

From where I sit, there's nothing wrong with aiming to be a good citizen and a good neighbor; groups like that should be applauded--to that end, I am spotlighting the Allegheny West Foundation today in my Civics Column because this 501(c)3 nonprofit organization works to be a good citizen for our community in North Philadelphia every single day. Ron Hinton, Jr., the President of the Allegheny West Foundation, is offering small business owners, entrepreneurs, vendors, and nonprofits a wonderful opportunity. Every Friday during July and August, you will have a FREE opportunity to sell your wares and promote your products and services, and share resource information.