‘Community’ Means Working Together

Your article on L.A. Urban Funders (Feb. 21) was a wonderful example of the efforts of a number of private foundations and community organizations working together to make this a better community. As one centrally involved in the conceptualization and creation of Urban Funders, I think it particularly important for people to understand that our collective future calls upon us to be more adept at turning needs into opportunities.

“Community” doesn’t just happen. It results from people and organizations developing creative visions of their communities and then working together in the application of those visions. It also often requires those institutions--whether foundations or community-based nonprofits--to overcome their traditional professional practices when necessary to make those visions a reality . . . and make a better place for all of us.

--LON M. BURNS

Manhattan Beach