Every community has challenges worth solving and opportunities worth pursuing. That’s the idea behind USA Goals, a new initiative inviting Americans to share what matters most where they live. Every goal submitted helps paint a clearer picture of the priorities that unite communities across the country. The more voices that participate, the better policymakers, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists can understand where attention and investment are needed most.

I participated because I want my ideas to shape what comes next. I submitted my dreams for baton twirling in my community, my country, and the world. Here is the goal I submitted for my community:

My goal is to help baton twirling grow in my community by creating more opportunities for young people to learn, perform and compete. Baton twirling builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, creativity and school spirit, but many communities no longer have easy access to classes, teams or performance opportunities. I would like to see renewed investment in local twirling programs, parade groups, school majorette lines and community performances so this unique American tradition can continue to inspire the next generation.