Norberto Martinez Loves Langley Park
When we asked Norberto Martinez what his favorite part of Langley Park is, his answer was simple–the people. As founder and Executive Director of the Langley Park Civic Association, he is driven by his love for the people of Langley Park to improve the community and its neighboring jurisdictions. With the help of other passionate citizens, Norberto and his team have organized clean-ups, planted trees, distributed meals, financial assistance, and toys to families impacted by COVID-19, and so much more. And Norberto has other big plans–like testing the local creek, and creating a community garden.
Norberto Martinez, 2nd from the right.
The Langley Park Civic Association started with just a few activities, thrown by Norberto himself. In particular, Langley Park Day, started by Norberto and the Langley Park Community Center 8 years ago, became very successful. It combined a festival with cultural performances, a community resource fair, and food vendors. The celebration grew year after year. He also started a health fair to educate citizens on the resources available.
Putting together an official nonprofit organization is a lot of work, but essential to Noberto’s plans. The Association’s 501-c3 status opens them up to tax incentives, funding, and gets them more recognition from other community leaders.
If you have a dream of improving your community like Norberto, here are some tips to get started:
Choose your mission. For Norberto, it is to improve Langley Park and the surrounding areas. While his goals grow and change, his mission always stays the same.
Find a group of people who believe in your mission. It can be hard to go at it alone–whether it's a group of friends or an official organization, joining up with like-minded people gives you more hands to make change and more resources to use.
Engage with the government. Much of Norberto’s work involves working with the county and state government to get funding, resources, and push for the important changes he wishes to see in his neighborhood.
Don’t be afraid to go big. Langley Park Day is a big undertaking, and Norberto started it virtually on his own. But he knew he could pull it off (although it would be a lot of work) and that it would be important for the community.
Focus on the victories. Norberto is the first to admit that he has hit roadblocks in his journey, but they are far outweighed by the successes. The struggles are well worth it when he is able to provide Christmas toys and rent relief, or watch as the streams slowly become cleaner and healthier.
Now more than ever, working to help our neighbors is essential. Even small changes echo through the community.
Want to support the Langley Park Civic Association? Start here!