How I’d Improve My Community (And Why a Little Latte-Fueled Love Goes a Long Way)

Daily writing prompt

How would you improve your community?

View all responses

Let’s be real—every community has that list. You know the one. The “what if we had…” list that pops into your head as you’re sipping your third latte, dodging potholes the size of small bathtubs, or walking past a park bench that’s seen better decades.

So when someone asks, “How would you improve your community?”—my first instinct is to toss out something lofty. “Universal healthcare!” “Free therapy Fridays!” “A Voguegenics vending machine on every corner!”

But let’s bring it in closer. Let’s talk about the everyday magic we could weave into the places we call home.

1. Start with Conversations, Not Committees

Improving a community starts by actually talking to people. Not emailing. Not survey-monkeying. Talking. Over lattes, walks, porch swings, or DMs at 2 AM. Real change starts when we stop assuming we know what people need and start asking.

2. Create Safe Spaces—Emotionally & Literally

I’d create more literal and emotional “soft landings.” Places where people feel safe being seen, heard, and held. Whether that’s through guided meditation pop-ups (hello, V’Luma…), community gardens with storytime corners, or open mic nights where awkward and awesome can co-exist—I’d build that.

3. Empower the Caregivers, the Quiet Ones, the Underestimated

My community is full of caregivers running on fumes, artists too broke to create, and women who think their best years are behind them. I want to build systems that restore them. Coaching circles. Glow-up retreats. A “You Still Got It” hotline (seriously, I’d fund that).

4. Education That Doesn’t Feel Like Detention

Imagine a free series of classes in town squares—Skincare 101, Mindset Shifts for Mondays, How to Make Your Teen Like You Again (or at least stop slamming doors). Let’s bring Voguegenics wisdom out of the screen and into the streets.

5. Celebrate the Quiet Wins

A wall of hand-written notes about people’s “small victories”—getting out of bed on a hard day, finally finishing that application, saying “no” without apologizing. These things deserve confetti.

The Heart of It?

I wouldn’t just improve my community. I’d empower it.

I believe communities thrive when individuals do. When we glow from within—mind, style, soul—it ripples. That’s why Voguegenics and V’Empower exist. Not to fix anyone. But to remind people how powerful they already are.

If you’re part of a community that needs a little light, a little levity, or a fiercely glamorous push in the right direction—I got you. And if you’re reading this, you’re already part of mine.

Want to help me improve our shared corner of the world, one glow-up at a time?

💌 Join the movement: https://vempower.it.com
🌟 Connect with our glam fam: https://voguegenics.com/join

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

See Full Bio