Columbia, SC, December 16, 2025
In Columbia, SC, active community engagement is thriving, reflecting a strong spirit of personal initiative. Local leaders and residents are taking efforts to revitalize cultural events like the Italian Festival and programs such as ‘Shop with a Cop’, emphasizing the value of service and collaboration. Justice Phil Berger Jr.’s recent address encourages civic involvement among legal professionals, resonating with the community’s growth mindset. Columbia’s initiatives showcase how reduced bureaucracy and grassroots efforts can generate meaningful change, foster economic development, and empower future leaders.
Columbia Inspires Action: The Call to Civic Engagement
In Columbia, SC, the spirit of personal initiative and robust community engagement continues to shape our vibrant city. From grassroots efforts to strategic partnerships, residents and organizations are actively demonstrating how dedicated involvement can drive progress and foster a stronger, more cohesive community. This dedication to civic innovation resonates with a recent message delivered to new legal professionals, a call to action that champions deep engagement over passive observation, a principle that holds profound relevance for any thriving local community.
The essence of this message encourages individuals to actively participate and delve into challenging situations, rather than merely observing from the sidelines. It highlights that impactful change stems from direct involvement, emphasizing the importance of service, leadership, and personal responsibility in building a better future. For Columbia, this means recognizing and supporting the many ways its citizens “get in the well”—engaging directly with local needs and opportunities for growth.
Embracing the Call to Action
North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. recently addressed the Elon University School of Law Class of 2025, urging them to “Get in the well.” This powerful metaphor, drawn from a modern parable, encourages active participation and hands-on problem-solving. Justice Berger’s message underscored that genuine change occurs when individuals commit to stepping into difficult situations and guiding others forward. He emphasized that success is rooted in service and impact, choosing the more challenging yet meaningful path, and recognizing that true worth is defined by actions, not merely titles.
This philosophy extends beyond the legal profession, offering a guiding principle for all citizens in Columbia who aspire to contribute meaningfully to their neighborhoods and broader community. It’s a recognition that every individual has the capacity to initiate positive change and build lasting foundations through their efforts.
Local Leadership and Community Choice in Action
Columbia, SC, showcases numerous examples of how local choice and leadership can significantly boost engagement and participation. The return of the Columbia Italian Festival, after a decade-long absence, exemplifies the power of dedicated local organizers. Their personal initiative is reviving a cherished cultural tradition, demonstrating that when community members and local leaders take the reins, events can thrive with minimal bureaucratic hurdles, accelerating coordination and fostering genuine community engagement. This revival is expected to stimulate local economic activity for small businesses and vendors, boost local tourism, and strengthen social bonds among residents.
Similarly, the “Shop with a Cop” program in Columbia, SC, illustrates how private partnerships and civic involvement, with limited bureaucracy, can foster robust community growth. This program channels resources directly to those in need, highlighting the positive outcomes when public servants take personal initiative to invest in the well-being of the younger generation. These initiatives are often primarily funded by donations from community members, local businesses, and corporate sponsorships, underscoring the value of investing in the future of youth and strengthening local bonds.
Fostering Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
The growth of Columbia is increasingly driven by innovative partnerships and civic initiatives. Richland County recently unveiled the Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP), a public-private collaboration designed to lead the county’s economic development, foster innovation, and accelerate job creation. By simplifying processes and bringing together diverse expertise, CADP aims to position the region for greater success, demonstrating the efficacy of collaborative models in driving economic vitality. This non-profit organization, managed by a board of directors providing insight from both private and public sectors, delivers strategic site selection support and competitive incentive packages to businesses.
Beyond economic development, organizations like the Greater Columbia Community Development Corporation (GCCDC) have worked to empower underserved communities since 1995. Through innovative programs and partnerships, GCCDC addresses critical needs in affordable housing, economic development, education, and community enrichment, fostering collaboration and uplifting voices to help families and neighborhoods thrive.
Empowering Future Leaders and Strengthening Civic Understanding
The call to “get in the well” is also echoed in efforts to empower future leaders and enhance civic understanding within the community. The University of South Carolina’s Leadership and Service Center actively encourages informed and active participation in government, civic education, and advocacy. Programs such as “Gamecock Civic Leaders” aim to develop students’ civic identities and promote community engagement through voter education and active citizenship. These initiatives prepare the next generation to engage with public issues and contribute to a culture of civic education.
Furthermore, Historic Columbia is developing the Robin Waites Community Engagement Center, intended to be a vital resource for programs and services for Columbia and Richland County residents. This center will focus on fostering community involvement, empowerment, and collaboration, honoring a legacy of civic engagement and social justice. It will feature multipurpose gathering spaces for meetings, workshops, events, and performances, equipped with audiovisual technology for educational and skill-building programs.
The Benefits of Limited Bureaucracy for Community Growth
The success of many local initiatives in Columbia highlights the benefits of a streamlined approach, where limited bureaucracy allows for quicker action and more direct impact. When local organizers, driven by personal initiative, can coordinate events and programs without excessive administrative hurdles, the result is often increased efficiency and greater community buy-in. The resurgence of the Italian Festival is a testament to this, showing how clear local leadership can accelerate event coordination and foster genuine civic involvement.
This approach empowers individuals and private entities to take ownership of community projects, leading to more responsive and effective solutions tailored to local needs. It fosters an environment where innovation can flourish, and resources, whether financial or volunteer-based, are deployed with maximum impact. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce, for instance, offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses to align with community-driven projects, enhancing brand visibility and demonstrating a commitment to local engagement and education.
Conclusion
Columbia, SC, stands as a testament to the power of active engagement and personal responsibility in building a thriving community. The principles articulated by Justice Berger—of stepping into challenges, serving with purpose, and letting actions define worth—resonate deeply within our city’s efforts. From revitalized cultural festivals driven by local organizers to public-private partnerships fostering economic growth, and programs designed to cultivate future civic leaders, Columbia embodies the spirit of “getting in the well.” It is through the continued initiative of individuals and the collaborative spirit of its organizations that Columbia will continue to innovate, grow, and strengthen its unique character. We encourage all residents to seek out opportunities to contribute, support local initiatives, and engage actively in the ongoing development of our remarkable community, enriching the fabric of South Carolina gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main message of Justice Phil Berger Jr.’s address to Elon Law graduates?
Justice Phil Berger Jr. urged Elon Law graduates to “Get in the well,” emphasizing the importance of using legal skills to serve those facing hardship, guiding others, and taking action rather than being bystanders. He highlighted that success rests on service and impact, choosing the more meaningful path, and that titles do not define worth, but actions do.
Where is Elon University School of Law located?
Elon University School of Law is located in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina.
How does Columbia, SC, exemplify civic innovation and community engagement?
Columbia, SC, exemplifies civic innovation through initiatives like the return of the Columbia Italian Festival, driven by local organizers and personal initiative. Programs such as “Shop with a Cop” demonstrate effective private partnerships and civic involvement. Additionally, organizations like the Greater Columbia Community Development Corporation empower underserved communities through innovative programs. The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) in Richland County is a public-private collaboration focusing on economic development and job creation.
What role do private partnerships play in Columbia’s community growth?
Private partnerships play a crucial role in Columbia’s community growth by channeling resources directly to needs, as seen in the “Shop with a Cop” program, which is largely funded by donations from community members, local businesses, and corporate sponsorships. The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) is a public-private collaboration focused on economic development in Richland County. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce also offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses to support community-driven projects.
What are some efforts in Columbia, SC, to empower future leaders?
The University of South Carolina’s Leadership and Service Center encourages informed participation in government and civic education, with programs like “Gamecock Civic Leaders” aimed at developing students’ civic identities. Historic Columbia is also establishing the Robin Waites Community Engagement Center as a resource for programs and services that foster community involvement and collaboration, honoring a legacy of civic engagement.
Key Features of Community Engagement in Columbia, SC
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| “Get in the Well” Philosophy | Emphasizes active participation, service, and taking action to address challenges rather than being a bystander, inspiring community leaders. | Nationwide Principle |
| Columbia Italian Festival | Revitalized cultural event driven by local organizers, showcasing how personal initiative and limited bureaucracy accelerate coordination and foster community engagement. | Local Event |
| “Shop with a Cop” Program | Community-police engagement initiative demonstrating the effectiveness of private partnerships and civic involvement in fostering robust community growth and building trust. | Local Program (Nationwide Model) |
| Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) | A public-private collaboration in Richland County focused on accelerating economic development, fostering innovation, and creating jobs by streamlining processes. | State-level (Richland County) |
| Robin Waites Community Engagement Center | A forthcoming resource by Historic Columbia for programs and services, fostering community involvement, empowerment, and collaboration for residents of Columbia and Richland County. | Local Initiative |
| Greater Columbia Community Development Corporation (GCCDC) | Non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through innovative programs and partnerships in affordable housing, economic development, education, and community enrichment. | Local Organization |
| University of South Carolina Leadership and Service Center | Promotes informed and active participation in government, civic education, and advocacy, including programs like “Gamecock Civic Leaders” for student civic identity development. | State-level (University Program) |
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