Earlier this week, our community saw the first of three public forums to introduce the concept of regionalism.

More than 100 people came to this week’s meeting. And, if they came expecting to hear a magic answer on how to improve our community through regionalism, they may have come away disappointed.

You see, the message was simple: One or two people or even a handful of elected officials cannot accomplish regionalism. The concept can only be moved forward through a grass-roots swell of support.

If each one of those people in the audience, or even half of them, found something in our community to truly get passionate about and work toward improving, just imagine what could be done.

The concept of regionalism isn’t anything new or particularly novel. In fact, most of us learned the fundamental nature in kindergarten. Regionalism is sharing resources and working together.

The Rev. Simeon Green, who spoke at this week’s forum, summed it up best.

“When we started planning, right from the beginning, it wasn’t about self, it wasn’t about Natchez, it wasn’t about Ferriday, it wasn’t about Vidalia, it became clear it was about you, the people of the Miss-Lou.”

And it’s the people of the Miss-Lou who, working together, can make a difference in our community.

Two more public forums are scheduled ahead. We urge people who want to make a difference to come and get involved.

The next forum will be at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday. For more information, contact the Ferriday Chamber of Commerce at 318-757-4297.