Written by Lydia SunderRaj
We voted. We won. We cheered. A lot. The social media explosion of Harding students and faculty writing about Searcy and begging their friends and relatives to support the #MySearcy revolution was, well, revolutionary. The sense of community and town pride over the past couple of months has been nothing short of incredible, and the relationship between Harding and Searcy feels stronger than ever.
But what now? Are we doomed to go back to exactly where we were before, when we would forget that there was more to Searcy than just Harding University? How can college students become involved in the community, get good grades and maintain a social life all at the same time? Adding small business support to your to-do list for the week may seem like an impossible expectation, but there are ways to encourage these amazing Searcy businesses without breaking your back… or your bank account.
1. Get involved.
Since Searcy was chosen to be featured on the Small Business Revolution, a new website has been created that will line up your interests with events and projects going on in the Searcy community. All you have to do is go to www.mysearcy.org, click on the “Get Involved” button to fill out a form of your interests and abilities, and the website will pair you with opportunities that match your talents. Every one of us has a role to play in this community, and signing up to serve or finding an organization you are passionate about is the first step to getting involved.
2. Post, like, follow and share.
Social media is a very powerful and relevant way to promote your favorite small businesses in Searcy. It’s as easy as posting a picture of you and your friends sipping coffee at Midnight Oil on Instagram or sharing an upcoming event like Beats & Eats on Facebook. You can use social media to be a spokesperson for the products and businesses you really enjoy while encouraging the small business owners of Searcy who work so hard to benefit our community. Many of the businesses in Searcy rely on their clients to spread the word about their services and products, and all it takes is a few taps to share our experiences with those businesses.
3. Buy when you can.
I know how tempting it can be to go to the same places for the same things week after week, especially when you have an abundance of meal swipes, an Amazon account and a craving for Chick- fil-A. But if supporting small businesses is something that’s important to you, opt for a locally-owned restaurant on Friday nights instead.The best memories are made when we break our routines, and trying something new could be an experience you will remember the rest of your life. Maybe try to find an outfit for your formal at the shops here instead of ordering from Amazon. Remember, Searcy doesn’t make you pay for shipping.
Harding students are members of the Searcy community just as much as we are members of the Harding community. By showing a little more effort to become involved with the small businesses of this town, we can partner with Searcy business owners to better the community for everyone. The Small Business Revolution victory is certainly going to give our Searcy a boost, but it takes a town to grow a town, and it is time to take the next step.
We are that next step for Searcy, Arkansas.
