Selma and Dallas County, like all communities, has its share of challenges. For instance, we’d all like to see more money spent in the county or a couple more restaurant options to go along with the choices we already have, but it’s a lot easier to talk about those things than to make them happen.

That’s one of the reasons why Leadership Selma-Dallas County class exists. The class will teach its participants about different aspects of the community — including agriculture, economic development and criminal justice — before they come together to try to work out how to solve problems within the community.

This year’s participants, Class XXI, spent the weekend on a two-day retreat at the 4-H Center in Columbiana, getting a chance to know one another and beginning to discuss positive and negative aspects of our community.

One of the points of the class is to inspire those within the community — those that may not know where they can put their talents to work — to teach them how to come together to help make change happen.

All cities, organizations and communities — including Selma — could use more leaders. We need people in the community that aren’t afraid of change and can push for action.

Past Leadership classes have already made their mark on the community and we are sure this year’s class, which is filled with high qualified individuals will put their mark on our city as well.

Classes like Leadership should give those in the community hope that Selma is on the rise. The class proves there are residents that care enough to get to know others in the community. It’s in an effort to try to work through some of the differences and problems we have.

This year’s class of 21 students seems destined for great things. We look forward to seeing how their actions touch our community.