1. Become a mentor. This is probably one of the most important ways to change Flint. The “each one, teach one” method is effective! FOTR friend Dr. Ladel Lewis has a great Facebook Page aptly entitled “Flintstone Mentors.” Go there, and sign up!
2. Speak positively about this city. Words have power. Downing Flint hasn’t helped make it better…why not speak uplifting words, and see where that gets us?
3. Become a friend of the Flint Public Library. This will cost $10, but you’ll be a part of a group that believes in the literacy of our residents. Plus, if you like to read, you’ll get in early on the book sales, and get first crack at all the good stuff!
4. Patronize a local business. Yes, you can get groceries from Meijer’s or VG’s, but Krogers is local. Same thing with food. Applebees or El Portero’s ? One is located in Flint…you get the drift. Beema’s just opened up…go get a hot dog! Healthy Dolla Holla sells smoothies, AND is a dollar store! Have a great experience? Tell everyone! Have a bad experience? Tell the OWNER! They want to make it right for you!
5. Don’t forget about the other parts of Flint. So much focus is placed on downtown businesses, but great establishments are popping up all over Flint! Caribbean Link and Sunday Best would love to see you stop in. Get some Flowers from Caeser’s, or Arcade Florist. Did you know there’s a new funeral home, called Serenity Funeral Chapel? Or that Max Brandon park is hosting a free summer camp for kids?
Feel free to contribute other positive ideas, or places to visit in Flint, in the comments below!
Flint is on the Rise…Believe It!
FaLessia Camille