Yup, I was in a parade recently and couldn't have asked for a better position in the lineup. Our group was leading off the parade, sandwiched between the motorcycles and the fire truck...both were using their sirens to liven things up.    A big part of me couldn't believe that I was doing it and the rest of me just got a kick out of ‘spreading the love' as we walked and waved to the smiling faces lining Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA.

Several months ago Mike Mueller wrote about his experiences of being in Pleasant Hill's Home Town Parade, and how rewarding it was to him personally. How much he enjoyed waving to others and getting involved. 

Mike's words came to mind when I got an email from Walnut Creek's CERT coordinator, Gayle Vasser, asking for CERT volunteers to walk in the city's Walnut Festival Parade. (CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and something I am now trained to teach to others.)  

There isn't a lot of green in my closet and I battled against walking through town covered in this neon version... but Mike's words were replaying for me...over and over.  Dang I hate that.  

Another email came from the coordinator saying that if 15 didn't sign up that she would have to cancel CERT's spot in the parade.  Hundreds of Walnut Creek residents have taken the initial training and this director has worked so hard getting our local CERT program off the ground, I really didn't want to let her down.  

Mike's words tipped the decision scales. In the end I was calling others and encouraging them to participate too. I certainly didn't want to be out there alone.  I even got my 80-year-old parents into the parade.

Mike was right on about getting out of my comfort zone. Call it networking, call it supporting a worthwhile cause. It was a fabulous way to connect with others and I am so glad that I took the plunge.  There is absolutely nothing like being part of building community....and I now know that parades are at the core of community.  I would like to encourage you, the way Mike's words encouraged me, to get out there and try networking in new ways. 

I saw people I hadn't seen in years. I even saw Mike that night and I loved letting him know that I was following HIS advice.   

Don't know about you, but CERT has become my way of giving back to my community.  Having taught elementary school for 10 years, it is in my bones to want to share information.  And part of my love for selling real estate is that I continue to help others and that my schedule is flexible enough to be of service. 

If you have been looking for a way to give back to your community,  check with your local city about CERT.  It has been rewarding for me on many levels...and I would probably never have been in a parade without it. Find out about CERT in your area