Give 5: Patch Chimes in at L'Anse Creuse 'Dialogue Day'

I'm often told, "You must love your job."

While this is true, it's not for the reasons most people assume. Sure the flexible hours are nice–and I can't complain about a lack of variety in my day-to-day life–but my favorite part is by far the interaction I have with the Macomb community.

Not only do I get to share amazing stories, but every few weeks I have the opportunity to take part in the tales myself. At Patch, we call this the Give 5 program.

There are two parts to the Give 5 program. On one side, Patch gives 5 percent of its advertising space, free of charge, to local charities in the communities Patch serves. On the other side, Patch employees spend five working days each year volunteering in their communities.

Today–as part of this program–I'll be joining students, teachers, administrators, business owners and local officials at the . 

What is Dialogue Day you ask?

“It's for the students to basically have a voice in the community, to respectfully let community members, board members and administrators know what really goes on in schools and the community,” said Julie Rickel, L'Anse Creuse High School community service-learning coordinator.

But rather than just talking about one issue, with one or two members of the community, I'll sit down with dozens of residents of all ages and backgrounds to discuss youth marijuana use, bullying, life transitions, underage drinking, stress and suicide, among other topics.

And with any luck, I'll return to my laptop a little wiser and more in-tune with the concerns and expectations of the Macomb community.