Groundwaters started as a thought that people are creative at heart. We need to express ourselves to others in our community and share stories, art, and visions for a better world. This idea manifested itself originally in a magazine published in the West Lane County region of Oregon; we hope this web site helps extend it, through the introduction of visual arts and other mediums, to a wider audience.
If you are reading this page, you may share the vision we have attempted to express in print and online, and perhaps you may wish to know how to contribute to the Groundwaters concept. After all, it is voluntary participation in a community that truly defines it as such.
How can you help us?
Consider a monetary donation or the purchase of a business advertisement. Financial concerns have not been paramount in our focus, yet we would be foolish to ignore them, as production costs are incurred from printing Groundwaters magazine and by maintenance of the Groundwaters.org website. Our focus on money could be explained by a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, when one of Charlie’s grandfathers explains to the lad he would be unwise to sell his Golden Ticket:
“There's plenty of money out there. They print more and more every day. But that ticket? There are only five of them in the whole world, and that's all there's ever going to be! Only a dummy would give this up for something as common as money. Are you a dummy?”
The true value we find in our work is not financial gain, yet the work sometimes requires money. In addition to regular operations (printing and distribution, software and equipment and maintenance, art supplies and online fees), the Groundwaters organization supports the further development of artists and writers - with the production of a book for one contributor, for instance. If you share this interest in the support of writing and writers, art and artists, or the concept of community, please Contact Us. Donations are gratefully accepted and advertising space is available in Groundwaters.
Volunteer. If you want to help, or have ideas or talents you feel can add to the community or the magazine, please Contact Us
Write for Groundwaters. Interview a neighbor, a child or an older person about their favorite books, experiences or interests. Help communicate and build a sense of community by encouraging others to share writings, drawings or recipes.
The most valuable contribution you can make, however, is to undertake the work of your own heart. Groundwaters began with the efforts of a single dedicated woman who photocopied her invitation and its responses, and distributed copies by hand to wherever she found that would accept them; and that work grew and was embraced over time. You can accomplish anything. When we give to others, we find enrichment in an endless variety of ways.
If you feel unsure about your own project, volunteer in your community. Work with children, or the elderly, the handicapped or abused. Rescue animals. Be a Big Brother or Sister.
Encourage someone every day. Offer your special talents to others. Exalt your fellow man and woman. This is the Groundwaters concept. Please, help it spread and nourish us all.
