(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA - Citizens play an important role in shaping the community and getting involved can help make a change for the better.

Over the past two weeks, the Imagine Kelowna Special Blog Series has featured two perspectives on the future of the citizen’s role. Mayor Colin Basran highlighted the importance of citizens contributing economically, culturally and through their volunteer work. Enactus Okanagan College President Aaron Gregory shared his thoughts on how youth can and are making a difference in Kelowna.

There are a number of ways residents of any age can take part and meaningfully contribute to the community. Here are five ways to get involved:

• Find a cause you care about and volunteer. Volinspire, a new platform designed to connect volunteers with organizations and non-profit groups, offers a host of local opportunities ranging from support at festivals and sporting events to fundraising for social causes. Browse through local volunteer opportunities at the Volinspire webste. 
   
• Share your ideas with the City. The City of Kelowna frequently seeks input regarding priorities for the community, land use planning, projects and initiatives. Feedback gathered from residents through open houses, workshops, surveys and social media, can impact policies in place today and inform future decision making. Browse through current topics and learn about upcoming engagement opportunities at kelowna.ca/getinvolved or subscribe to topics that interest you.
   
• Join a local club. Connect with other members of the community through shared interests. Whether it’s dogs, dance or downhill skiing, Kelowna has dozens of clubs and organizations for every interest. This list of local groups will get you started at the City of Kelowna website.  
   
• Build a strong neighbourhood. The City of Kelowna’s Strong Neighbourhoods Program is designed to help build connection and engagement in our neighbourhoods as we work towards making Kelowna the best mid-sized city in North America. Enhance your neighbourhood and get to know your neighbours by holding a neighbourhood event or applying for a neighbourhood grant. Neighbourhood youth are also encouraged to participate through the Youth Development & Engagement Grant. For more information, visit the City of Kelowna strong neighbourhood website.
   
• Share your vision for the future. The Imagine Kelowna initiative is looking for input to create a long-term community vision that will guide the future decision-making and ensure the city is adaptable and resilient to change over the next 25 years. Have your say on the future of Kelowna by sharing your vision at the Imagine Kelowna website here, or on social media using the hashtag #ImagineKelowna.

What are some other ways Kelowna residents can get involved? How do you see your role in the community evolving now and into the future? Share your thoughts on the citizen’s role online here.

Catch up on the Imagine Kelowna blog series by visiting the news section of the Imagine Kelowna website.

News from © iNFOnews, 2016