Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010
Leaders Are Like Magnets
How does a community get better and better?
It takes visionary Leaders to "connect the dots" of all our community's assets.
Leaders are the "magnets" that link these often unrelated resources into a strong, cohesive landscape. They see the potential on the horizon and create relationships that make things happen.
Collaboration = potential.
John McKnight says:
"At its core, a deeply connected community, a community in which every member is valued and challenged to contribute--
is a strong and healthy community."
Dissenters are welcome to voice their objections: witness Marina Park, the auditorium dilemmas, Shelter House NIMBY syndrome...
and the leadership that created a variety of strong "magnets" to move our community forward.
McKnight elaborates on community diversity:
"Connection is one thing in theory, but a collection of powerful forces could stand in the way. Many members of any community are moved to its edges by a series of disconnecting labels — too old, too young, too poor, mentally or physically disabled, mentally ill.
Not only do these labels serve to separate those labeled from the center of community life, but systems of service professing to “help” tend instead to further isolate them.
Asset-based community development begins with the assumption
that successful community building involves rediscovering and
mobilizing resources already present in any community:
o The skills and resources of its individuals,
o The power of voluntary associations, achieved through building relationships
o The assets present in the array of local institutions, the
physical infrastructure of the community and the local
economy.
Another way of saying this is: successful community development is
asset-based, internally-focused, and relationship-driven.
Leaders scan the horizon of potential assets to build a new model for the community. Business owners invest resources, social organizations support one another - instead of competing for dollars and volunteers.
New leaders are encouraged to step in and learn by doing... here's an invitation for you to consider from the City Clerk (source: Chronicle Journal)
Get Involved...
Let's Build Thunder Bay's Assets
The Office of the CIty Clerk invites applications for:
- Accessibility Advisory Committee members
- Board of Management: Heart of the Harbour BIA
- Graffiti Advisory Committee
- Court of Revision
The process is easy:
Pick up an application form at City Hall or call 625-2415 to have the form emailed to you.
Attach a letter and resume about your interest and expertise.
Submit before February 12, 2010.
I'm encouraging you to see our community through your eyes, and asking that you put your heart and your hands into connecting our assets.
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