Community Gift Giving A Model Program for Holiday Initiatives to Support Local Artists, Organizations and Businesses In the frenzy of holiday shopping and avalanche of advertisements, people often forget that their own communities offer many excellent products and creative goods sold in local stores or by local artists. A gift, such as a CD by a local band, or book by a regional author, or a membership to an area museum, will almost certainly be unique. To make others in the community aware of the benefit of spending locally to support the community and the many great artists and businesses in your area (who are trying to make a living while enriching the community with diverse choices), consider planning a Community Gift Giving event in your neighborhood or town. While a child may benefit from an annual membership to the local children's museum, and an adult music fan may treasure a book about zydeco, or a gospel CD by a local choir, others may be more interested in a gift with national or international appeal. It is still possible to be conscious of the gifts you give. For instance, a state or national park pass will promote conservation, or an exotic coffee, tea or folk art may be bought from a fair trade organization in your area. Giving gifts from local merchants, educators and artists is significant even if it is a small portion of your holiday shopping as you become more locally conscious. Exploring the possibilities will further develop your interests for future gift-giving occasions and positively influence others. Positive Action Messages Public Service Announcements to Positively Impact Texas Communities Organize and Educate Steps You Can Take to Raise Standards and Quality of Life in Your Community Community Gift Giving A Model Program for Holiday Initiatives to Support Local Artists, Authors, Organizations and Businesses Kids Community Voices Thinking and Writing Exercises for Students (with Guidelines for Educators) Resource Downloads Weblinks and Printable Posters to Inform Community Members About the Benefits of Local Ownership Sol Communities Resources to Preserve the Distinctive Cultures and Identities of Texas Communities Informative Webpages Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions About Community Advocacy Additional Resources Successful Community Principles, Diverse Cultural Histories, Community Forums, and More Texas Community Advocate    Support    Contact