BRIDGING DALLAS'

NORTH-SOUTH GAP For many southern Dallas residents, especially young people, the question that confronts them is this: "Do I have to leave my neighborhood to have a better life?"

Poverty is a constant reality that surrounds too many residents in Dallas. People of all ages living in neighborhoods in West Dallas, Oak Cliff and Pleasant Grove may think that the only way for a better life is to leave. Yes, that's the easy answer. Deciding to seek that better life by staying is a far more difficult one.

Some would answer yes, because drug dealers still persist and make neighborhoods such as mine in West Dallas less safe. Yes, because the local schools are not as good as the schools in Dallas suburbs such as Plano. Yes, because the politicians downtown will not listen to residents' concerns about problems such as the abundance of potholes in Oak Cliff. Yes, because mainstream businesses, including popular restaurants and clothing stores, cannot be found in our neighborhoods.

However, running away from these troubles only postpones solutions and allows unsolved problems to escalate. No, changing the southern half of our city will not be easy. But taking the easy route – leaving one's neighborhood to find opportunities elsewhere – will be a dead end for the neighborhoods abandoned.

Only when the residents of these communities make the decision that they will create change – safer neighborhoods, excellent schools and decent streets – can it occur. And these current residents are the best ones to initiate the change because they know the challenges better than any outsiders can ever hope to.

Consider these possibilities: Residents – along with the Dallas Police Department – can fight drug dealers by taking an active, firm stance against them. Good schools are partly created by parental and community involvement; parents can join their child's PTA, and community members can volunteer at schools. The politicians downtown cannot hear us until residents complain publicly. Neighbors can call, e-mail or attend a town hall meeting to voice concerns.

Also, participating in neighborhood associations is a powerful way to communicate and find solutions. While it may take more than one call or e-mail to reach one's City Council member or a city department, residents must not forget that politicians are public servants and can be held accountable come Election Day.

Wal-Mart, Chili's and other businesses at Pinnacle Park in Oak Cliff are succeeding – proof that business can thrive just as well in the southern part of Dallas as it does elsewhere. That word needs to get out across North Texas and beyond.

The transformation of southern Dallas is a years-long process. But it will be most effective with residents' active participation and strong resolve to be a part of the community for the long term. Neighborhoods will not change for the better as long as people leave before attempting to find solutions.

When residents begin to say – and believe – that "change starts with me and my actions in the community," we'll know that the transformation of southern Dallas has genuinely taken hold.

Fernando Rubio Jr. is a senior at Austin College in Sherman and a West Dallas resident. His e-mail address is frubio@austincollege.edu.