Okay. We all know that if a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one around to hear it, it still makes a sound. What happens, however, when something befalls our community, and there is no one around to make some noise about it? Will anyone hear us? Doubtful.

This is why vibrant, strong, and pro-active community organizations, such as the PTA groups (PTA/PTSA/SEPTA), your civic associations, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Friends of the Library, to name a few, are so vitally important to the future of our towns, particularly the unincorporated areas in which most of us reside. More critical still is your participation in these organizations, making your voice heard, and guaranteeing that those empowered to bring about positive change in our community will listen.

Membership in these organizations, as well as in other community groups, is crucial to our success. Membership alone, however, is simply not enough. Participation is key to the ongoing endeavor of rebuilding community. From our schools to our infrastructure, from our parks to our business districts, your pledge to roll up those sleeves and to be an essential part of your town's resurgence is at least as important as your financial support.

No, community is not a spectator sport, the whim of those who sit on the sidelines moaning and groaning, reminiscing of how things were in "the good old days," complaining of those who accept the challenges and the rewards that community activism offers. Community, or at least a community worthy of the place we raise our children and call home, requires the active participation of all of its people.

Whether you have an hour to devote, or a lifetime of experience to offer, your community needs you! Yes, join up. And then, do just a little bit more to involve yourself. Attend meetings and events, volunteer to help out or lend your particular talent, take a leadership role. In short, make some noise out there. Be the one who is around to hear that sound in the forest. Better yet, do your part to keep that tree from falling in the first place!

Seth D. Bykofsky

(The writer is a former president of the West Hempstead Civic Association, and currently serves as co-chair of the Tri-Community Alliance of Elmont, Franklin Square & West Hempstead.)