If I’ve achieved my goal, you are able to recite from memory the theme during my presidency: The Jacksonville Bar Association builds community so you can better enjoy being a lawyer.
At the heart of this aspiration is unity, which is more than just a literal segment of the word community.
Unity transcends differences and can thrive in a diverse context. The image included with this article is from Sugar Grove Park District in Illinois and it communicates this fact well.
Our nation’s federalist form of government proves this notion true. We have states that are urban, rural, industrial, agrarian, Southern, Northern, Bible-belt, progressive, red, blue, etc.
Yet, despite the differences within our sovereign geographic entities, our great country is aptly named the United States of America.
We are not the Unanimous States of America. Our wise founders did not intend that for our country.
Unanimity is not required in community. In fact, community is often strengthened and made more vibrant in the absence of unanimity. Through the sharing and consideration of diverse perspectives, the whole is made better than the sum of its parts. One can still remain true to oneself while enjoying the company of others who are doing likewise.
Sadly, we are seeing society de-emphasize unity in favor of difference and division. This trend is evident at the global, national, state, local and even professional levels.
The JBA is stemming this tide within our membership. In that regard, our next lunch meeting speaker is Mayor Donna Deegan, whose campaign and administration aims to reinvigorate community within our great city.
Perhaps the best example of Deegan’s success in this endeavor will occur Jan. 12 when the city will co-host a unified Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast event with the local NAACP chapter, the Jacksonville Urban League and JAX Chamber.
The reasons that prompted holding separate MLK Jr. events a few years ago have been resolved in favor of a single, united gathering to celebrate and commemorate an exceptional community builder.
Come hear from our city’s chief executive. Visit jaxbar.org to register for our Jan. 18 meeting and commune with your diverse peers.
I expect this event to reach capacity limits, so register now.
Your attendance will help validate this theme and show support for our mayor who has similar community-building goals. I look forward to seeing you there.
The JBA does not aspire to build communanimity, if such a word existed. That would be untenable and undesirable. Rather, the association builds community so you can better enjoy being a lawyer.
Blane McCarthy is a certified circuit mediator at Miles Mediation & Arbitration in Jacksonville.