CityView Magazine

44 | September/October 2016 Q: What issues are close to your heart? A: Finding ways to respect other's opinions, even when I feel strongly that they are mistaken. Learning that the world does not have to be "either/or" but incorporating "both/and" ideolo- gies. Hoping we can find ways to heal the fractures in ourselves, in our community and in our country. Like the pebble in the water, maybe we can be a part of a positive ripple effect. Q: What is the best part about giving back? How does it make you feel? A: At peace. Q: What is your favorite thing about Fayetteville? A: We may be growing into a "big city," but we still have a small- town spirit. Most importantly, we have so many opportunities to "give back." All we have to do is show up. Darlene Ransom Recipient of "The Order of the Long Leaf Pine" Q: Where are you from? A: Lumberton, North Carolina Q: In what ways do you volunteer/give back to the community? A: I was involved in the Big Brother/Big Sister program in col- lege. I was a volunteer reading tutor in my children's schools, the lead mom for various sports and grade mom. I was also the unofficial American Indian speaker in their schools, as well as for other schools in the county. I was a youth church volunteer, a grant writer, a polling volunteer, campaign worker, mentor for struggling students, a volunteer with the Dogwood Festival, KidsVille Village (American Indian booth) and with e Partnership for Children. I served as a Foundation Board Member for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and I've endowed a scholarship to assist financially with one American Indian student per year who is successfully completing their degree in Social Work. And the Arts Council, especially with the International Folk Fes- tival where I manage a cra native to America's First People. I also volunteer with Camp Rockfish Ministries locating homes in our community that require minor home repairs. Q: Why do you think giving back is so important? A: I've always been a huge advocate when it comes to giving back, paying it forward and volunteering. My parents instilled this value in us from childhood. Giving back was innate…you just did it! Q: What issues are close to your heart? A: Education! Education for my American Indian students and their families weighs heavily on heart and mind. Q: What is the best part about giving back? How does it make you feel? A: It's all about enriching the lives of others. I do it because I have been blessed with a spirit of giving. Volunteering is therapeutic. It can introduce you to some of the most fabulous people on the planet. Q: What is your favorite thing about Fayetteville? A: e people I've met along the way, the Arts Council, where I've met some brilliant, deliberate progressive thinkers and visionaries and Camp Rockfish Ministries. Judge Laura Devan Cumberland County District Court Judge Q: Where are you from? A: I was born in New York City. I have lived in North Carolina since 1989.

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