The forgotten ones

At all times, there were human beings who interpreted life from solidarity and social commitment. Finding people willing to spend their vital time on common generic causes has never been easy. It usually begins with something that affects individually, then various conditions are added that are materialized in a great cause.
During the last thirty of the twentieth century, the neighborhoods of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria became a unique laboratory to fill a thousand pages of analysis and sociological studies. The result would be surprising if we knew the profile of actors and protagonists of the transformation experienced in the municipality.
Remembering and using it with tolerance and kindness, we could meet a long list of people; neighborhood, sports, cultural, social and political leaders would add to the great archive of "the forgotten ones." With total security I affirm that not all those that were would be there, nor would all those that were be recognized merit. In all human behavior, the excess of Ego usually ruins one's own and other people's merits.
The 21st century is in full adolescence, starting a journey full of future uncertainties, dynamic and accelerating certainties plus a horizon, sometimes confused with the abyss. The classic references are no longer interesting and are simply ostracized, forgotten. The current ones are burdened and harassed by malpractice at the head of the organizations that arose and promoted the welfare state.
The new generations of adolescents and young people have found almost all the basic needs covered, almost everything done and without historical references on who made it possible. The indicated "almost" is transcendental, since current needs are perceived from a completely different base and projection. The awareness of need varies remarkably, the driving elements are different and the means are now within everyone's reach. The individual gains autonomy and independence; You have plenty of motivations to be distracted and you lack resources to feel satisfied or happy.
"Associate is power" or "The neighborhood is your home" among others, were very powerful slogans or proclamations years ago, which allowed us to become aware of unity of action to contribute ideas and solutions to existing deficiencies. The Neighborhood Associations were grouped by the empathy of their leaders in the field of districts and the city. From there the different Neighborhood Federations arose, acquiring a social potential that for more than three decades, helped to structure an urban nucleus that had inherited a disorderly growth with enormous urban and social needs.
The altruistic work that thousands of people have been doing from the numerous social organizations that have emerged throughout the municipality; from unity or controversy, from claiming or collaborative positions, from different or convergent political ideas. All these people who have used the best years of their lives for the common good, "The forgotten ones" have added in an extraordinary and free way to the work done by the institutions by reasonably paid employees, officials and politicians for such purposes.
Historical memory is also recognizing how muddy hillsides were transformed into urbanized neighborhoods equipped with essential services. It is to value how many people promoted and worked, day after day, to improve the quality of life of their neighbors, promoting citizen participation of children, young people and the elderly. It is to consider the work of neighbors who altruistically created sports entities, associations of fathers and mothers in schools and institutes, youth associations, elders' club and party committees. It is to appreciate the importance of the multiple citizen platforms created to attend specific situations, making the citizens react and especially the Public administrations. Without a doubt, a powerful associative fabric that allowed the most populated city of the Canary Islands to be socially structured.
There are many economic and social agents that have contributed to the development of the Municipality. However, this story aims to highlight the importance of neighborhoods as a concept of unity and a principle of action. Above all, to emphasize the recognition of the indisputable altruistic and voluntary work of hundreds of "unrecognized" people, who worked with determination and enthusiasm for this city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.