Apathy exists all around us, but enthusiasm and interest can be contagious.

Natchez, like any small town, could use a good epidemic of community interest.

The Community Alliance — a group aimed at getting citizens involved — will begin a new year with new leadership at 2 p.m. today, and they want you there.

The alliance picks several projects around town each year and sees them to their completion. Last year, the group refurbished the stone memorial in Memorial Park.

This year is a blank slate, and the community project of the year could be your idea.

Projects don’t have to be downtown-based, but can be anything, anywhere.

Eyesores, existing projects in need of work and ideas from the ground up are all fair game. If you’re a dreamer or a complainer, this is your chance to take action.

The group will meet at the Community Center on Franklin Street today to map out the year and set future meeting dates.

It’s time for the citizens of Natchez to stop being arm-chair quarterbacks. The community is asking for involvement, and it’s up to the residents to give it to them.

And remember, the apathetic people out there lose the right to complain later if they opt to stay home today.