By Stealth

The Community Citizen Awareness Project had the honor of interviewing a woman who is making a difference in a large community. Patty Gordon, a Metropolitan State Alumni, is making an impact on the deaf community.

Patty is an American Sign Language interpreter and in 2004 was the Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf's outstanding member. She was also honored by former First Lady Mary Pawlenty as a Notable Woman of Minnesota in 2007.

We were able to meet up with Patty one evening at a local coffee shop and chat over a cup of decaf coffee. Patty explained how the nature of her career allows her to be involved and make changes within the deaf community. As an interpreter Patty explains, "I am one of those people that is helping make people access each other."

Patty helps facilitate communication that otherwise would not be there. "It is one of those vicarious things that through my job is part of it. People make connections and get to know and understand each other because I happen to be there. So that is my stealth community service."

Although Patty says a lot of her community involvement is by stealth and is just part of her job, she is also doing a lot more. Patty is a founding director of Story Blend. It is an immersion program that helps newly certified ASL interpreters build relationships and connections within the deaf community through deaf mentors. 

Patty's involvement within the deaf community has opened up many doors and brought awareness to people outside the deaf community as well. To read more about what Patty does and her involvement in the community go here. 

Think Globally, Act Locally

Supporting local businesses is something the Community Citizen Awareness Project is passionate about. Buying local not only promotes a strong economy, but it also builds a sense of community which is equally important. It keeps jobs from being outsourced and our friends and family employed.

Steve Tietz, a Metropolitan State University alumni, shares the same passion for supporting local businesses. Steve plays his part by volunteering for Flat Earth Brewing Company in St. Paul. "Helping a local business succeed while enjoying beer- I don't think volunteering gets much better than that," says Steve with a smile about his time at Flat Earth. 

Steve helps bottle and cap the beer, which is all done by hand. He also assists with brewery tours and public tasting events. Steve explains, "It's really important to me to see local businesses succeed and keep dollars in the community and not go to larger corporations that are somewhere else. If I can help keep their costs down by volunteering and have fun while I'm doing it, it is the least I can do." 

Learn more about Flat Earth Brewing Company by visiting their website. Also, to do your part in the initiative to buy local visit Buy Local Twin Cities for ideas on where you should shop.

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day to everyone!

We hope you are as thankful as we are for being able to live on this wonderful planet! We also hope you are actively involved in making sure generations to come are able to enjoy it as much as we do!

There are many things we can do as individuals to help save our planet. Below is a short list we came up with, but we also want to know what you are doing as well! Comment and share your ideas!

Recycle- Check out Whole Living's Recycling Handbook. Also check out what Eureka Recycling is doing to help make it more convenient! 
Use reusable grocery bags as often as possible.
Stop buying bottled water- Some of our favorite reusable water bottles are: LifeFactory and Sigg.
Get rid of junk mail- Respond to unwanted catalogs and make sure you get off their mailing list! 
Purchase energy efficient appliances- I think they cost more up front, but the energy and cost savings over the life of the appliances will be well worth it. Also, use cold water whenever possible to wash clothes instead of warm or hot water.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Use energy efficient light bulbs- Click here for a complete light bulb guide.
Bike or walk when possible.
Organize a neighborhood clean up or adopt a highway. 
Switch to Earth friendly cleaning products. Some of our favorites are Seventh Generation and Ecos.

Keep it beautiful! Do your part!

Leave The World Better Than You Found It

We have often heard people say they'd like to be involved but they don't know what to do or where to even start. We have also heard people claim that most individuals cannot make change happen. We believe that anyone, no matter their gender, social status, race or sexual orientation can lead the way to make this world a better place.


We understand that in the world we live in today that it is easy to be overwhelmed by the options and the possibilities. There are so many wonderful things around us, but unfortunately, there are many tragic things around us as well. We aren't all on this earth to make history. However, there are little things that can make a big impact in someone's life or community, that we could all take part in. 


Here are some ideas on how you can get involved with you community and be an active citizen. 


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead