Part of the human condition is trying to make sense of the world around you. Keeping track of relevant events that have happened and are on the horizon, staying up-to-date on current trends and technology and having an understanding of the surrounding environment are all part of this, and it can all be a lot to keep up with.

In the age of information where everyone has a wealth of knowledge in their pocket,
it seems more and more prevalent that public understanding and awareness has dropped to an all-time low. Online communities have taken to uninformed and overconfident shouting matches that seep into the fabric of everyday life, giving people a false sense of knowing garnered from popular Facebook posts and misguided figureheads.

Luckily, it appears that a small but vocal minority of thinkers are rising to combat the lack of public awareness around the country, even right here in the Greater Valley Area.

Two Bradshaw library events, one happening last night and the other slated for next week, are being held for no other reason than to inform the public on topics that matter.

“No Vote, No Voice: Use It or Lose It” was the Chambers County chapter of the Alabama New South’s way to provide voting rights and registration information to folks who have to make up their minds about how they will cast their ballots this November.

Dr. Wayne Flynt and his presentation titled “The Richness of Alabama Culture” will enlighten natives and outsiders on the history of the state, both great and grotesque, so that they can have a better understanding of the Alabama they inhabit today.

These events and others like it are proof that there are still people out there who care about more than themselves. These people care about the greater population and their understanding of the way the world works. Staying informed and aware does a lot for oneself. Helping to keep others at the same level does a lot for us all.