In a world where division is highlighted daily on television and social media, it’s always encouraging to attend the Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards, where unity and cooperation are on full display. Where else can you see conservationists and law enforcement officers dining together; children and retirees enjoying each other’s success; and business owners and sanitation workers showing appreciation for a shared commitment to their communities?
The Governor’s Awards is a celebration of our ability to set aside differences in pursuit of a common vision. We see glimpses of this human capacity following natural disasters, but with Alabama PALS, it’s a common occurrence. While programs like Adopt-A-Mile and Clean Campus are built on shared experiences, other PALS’ efforts bring together volunteers who don’t necessarily attend the same church, school or civic club. During the Don’t Drop It On Alabama Spring Cleanup and Coastal Cleanup, you’re likely to see Baptists and Catholics; Democrats and Republicans; and Tide and Tigers working side by side.
The single unifying factor is our mutual desire to keep Alabama the Beautiful and lessen the impact of litter on our environment. The Governor’s Awards showcase what can be accomplished when we focus on agreement rather than disagreement. Congratulations to all our award winners! Your work to curb litter benefits every Alabama resident, and your example of selfless teamwork is an inspiration to many.
I especially want to thank Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor and Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship for attending the Governor’s Awards. Having two members of Gov. Kay Ivey’s cabinet participate in our annual event demonstrates her commitment to Alabama PALS’ mission. As we embark on 2023, I hope the Governor’s Awards will motivate each of us to argue less, agree more and look for opportunities to work together for our common good.
Thanks to Alabama PALS’ volunteers, much was accomplished in 2022. Tons of trash were collected, hundreds of students learned lessons about recycling, and communities were strengthened as neighbors joined forces to fight litter. But there’s still much yet to do. The tight labor market and lingering effects of the pandemic have curtailed state, county and municipal cleanup efforts. That makes Alabama PALS’ work even more important.
With trees and grass dormant and creepy critters less active, winter is a great time to engage others in cleanup efforts. Remember, we don’t have to agree on everything — just that litter stinks and we want to do something about it!
– Jeff