This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Tent Poles at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/
Knowing Where To Go
April 9, 2007
Rexlyn Nicole
Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator
Macon County Unit 2535 Millikin Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564 rxnicole@uiuc.edu
Just how well do you know your community. Many people live somewhere all their lives and still do not know where to go for certain needs or concerns. Do you know where to go for electrical training? Have you any idea where you would find the Fire Science Program? How about joining Master Gardeners? Do you know where to sign up? What they do? Where to find them? Do you know where the Ag guy is employed? Do you know where bankruptcy court is? Where is the Office for Rehabilitation Services? And how about web sites, do you know what to look for and where to find them online? Many people think that because they have always lived in one area they know it like the back of their hand, but once they start realizing what they DO NOT know, they find a renewed interest in their hometown. Why not see how many NEW spots you can find in your town. Know where to go no matter what the question or need is.That way you can help someone else too!
If you look at life as a tent, do you know the importance of tent poles? When putting up the tent, the tent poles are hard to deal with, they are cumbersome and yet without them, there is no tent. The tent poles are there for support. They are the backbone of the tent. They are the foundation of the cover against the storm while camping. Tent poles are in your every day life as well. They are there propping you up when times are tough. Do you know who and what your tent poles are?
