Renewing Community Through Leadership, Education, and Volunteerism: A Response to David Brooks'

​David Brooks’ recent speech on cultural renewal challenged us to reassess how we build and strengthen our communities. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting with our moral roots and restoring trust in our institutions. His reflections on how we’ve privatized morality, created divisions, and weakened our institutions strike a chord.  The work we are doing at the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce through initiatives like Bloomington Women in Leadership (BWIL) and The Success School works to counter the recent cynicism. These programs with the critical role volunteers play, demonstrate how we are actively working to rebuild the cultural fabric of our community.

​BWIL: Empowering Women, Building Community
Brooks argued that cultural transformation happens when individuals come together for a collective purpose. “Culture changes when a creative minority finds a beautiful way to live, and the rest of us copy,” he said. This idea resonates deeply with the BWIL program, which connects and empowers women leaders in Bloomington to create a ripple effect of growth, support, and community.

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Through BWIL, the Chamber cultivates a network where women leaders, especially those who have overcome personal or professional challenges, can mentor and guide others. BWIL events, like the Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) Awards, celebrate the accomplishments of local women and inspire others to take on leadership roles. This program exemplifies Brooks' idea of “being broken open” during times of struggle and transforming those moments into opportunities for renewal. The stories of resilience and growth shared within BWIL are central to fostering a connected, vibrant community where leadership flourishes.

Brooks also highlighted the power of suffering and struggle in shaping transformation, saying, “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open.” BWIL exemplifies this as a space where women who have faced adversity—whether in their personal lives or careers—come together to support and lift one another. These connections lead to personal and professional growth, strengthening the cultural fabric of Bloomington.

The Success School: Bridging the Gap Between Education, Volunteers, and the Business Community
Brooks also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions like our school districts, noting that institutions are the bedrock of society, providing stability and trust. At the Success School, we have an opportunity to help young people and community members alike see the value of strong institutions and how they contribute to societal well-being.

The Success School partners with local school districts to provide over 4,500 students annually with programs that offer career learning opportunities, from Reality Store® simulations to Job Shadowing and Career Panels. These programs connect education with the workforce and underscore how individuals’ choices today shape their future. . 

But one of the most impactful aspects of the Success School is the involvement of volunteers from the business community. Volunteers at the Success School play a pivotal role in strengthening the very institutions Brooks mentions. By dedicating their time and expertise, volunteers help students see the direct connection between their education and future success. The Reality Store®, for example, wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from local businesses who guide students through the simulation of budgeting and financial planning. These hands-on experiences foster a deeper understanding of how institutions, like schools and businesses, interact to support individual and community growth. Volunteers, by engaging directly with students, contribute to creating a sense of belonging and trust in the system.

As Brooks reflected, moments of struggle can lead to profound transformation, and volunteering at the Success School is an example of how the business community is helping to strengthen the educational system. By supporting local students and providing mentorship, volunteers are reinforcing the social fabric and showing how civic engagement can heal and rebuild our institutions. These acts of service help restore the faith in institutions that Brooks described as vital for cultural renewal.

Strengthening Community Through Collective Action
David Brooks spoke powerfully about the need for cultural renewal through collective action. “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open,” he said. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, our BWIL program and Success School are examples of how we are choosing to be “broken open” as a community. Through leadership development, volunteerism, and educational initiatives, we are actively working to rebuild the moral, social, and institutional fabric that sustains us.

Volunteers, especially those at the Success School, play an essential role in this transformation. Their contributions help strengthen the institutions that support our future leaders, making sure that our educational system remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the community. These volunteers embody the renewal Brooks described: they give of their time and talents to help others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens both individuals and institutions.
Brooks also suggested that change occurs when “a small group of people finds a better way to live, and the rest of us copy.” The volunteers at the Success School are the embodiment of this principle—they are the ones showing how collective effort and community involvement can create lasting change. Through their actions, they inspire others to engage, volunteer, and contribute to the broader cultural renewal that our community needs.

Moving Forward Together
As Brooks urged, we have an opportunity to embrace moments of crisis as opportunities for growth and transformation. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce remains committed to nurturing leaders, strengthening institutions, and fostering volunteerism that supports our community. Whether through BWIL or the Success School, we are focused on creating a community where trust, shared values, and collective purpose guide us forward.

We invite you to join us in this effort—whether through volunteering at the Success School, participating in BWIL, or supporting other Chamber programs. Together, we can create the foundation for a renewed community that reflects the values David Brooks calls for and that will continue to thrive for generations to come.