Several four-letter words are considered bad, but it is one of a six-letter variety that continues to have the most negative impact on our community.

Apathy.

It may be a small word, but it has a big meaning and a very large negative impact on Lawrence County and much of our entire nation.

Webster’s Dictionary defines apathy as “1: lack of feeling or emotion: impassiveness; 2: lack of interest or concern: indifference.”

That certainly describes what occurred last week when the Ironton school district hosted a public forum seeking input on the development of a new strategic point. The event was poorly attended and those who took the time to get involved, as well as others in the community, lamented the lack of public participation.

Although this is disappointing, it certainly shouldn’t shock anyone. This is what we are seeing in our elections, our government bodies, our civic groups, our churches and other areas where individuals have to get off the sidelines and get involved.

So, knowing the problem, how do we address it?

There is no miracle solution and no one has the perfect answer. Ultimately each of us have to make a commitment to ourselves to do more and urge others to do the same.

If we, as citizens, do not take an active role in our community we will have no one to blame but ourselves for the result.