XOWhat

XO What's New?

2011-08-10T12:21:00.000-04:00

Graduates 2011!
Photo Credit Richard Chicoine

What's New?

Welcome to Ashleigh Rooney, our Program Intern!
Alum John Walmark, Paul Francis and Cindy Maki are now on our Board of Directors!
Curriculum is NEW! (How about joining us as Guest Alumni Speaker? Let me know!)
CAP Projects? This year, it's a full class project, a Leadership Conference (April 25-26). Cool!
Alum Nikos Mantis is our Caterer for the Retreat - yummo!
The XOWhat Blog has moved to Wordpress as "XOWhat@Leadership. Sign up at www.xowhat.wordpress.com
This is the "final" XOWhat from blogspot...but I'll keep the archives open for a while
New photos of all years are posted at www.leadershiptb.com and facebook... take a peek and "like" us
I am pleased to continue as your Facilitator, and to work with Rebecca Johnson and Pat Forrest in Management Services. (Behind the scenes - is fun!)
So long from here... see you at the new XOWhat@Leadership...

Leadership from Sea to Sky (Whistler BC)

2011-06-19T12:03:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Summer's Here!
&
that means that the XOWhat Blog will post wheneverly!

I will be featuring Leadership Programs in other parts of Canada...
as well as news about our 2012 Class initiatives.

Back to regular (weekly) schedules at the end of August,
when our newest cohort will be highlighted.

In the meantime, if you'd like to take on the role of "Guest Blogger",
just send me your stories
and they will appear!

Starting in the west!

Introducing ...
"Sea to Sky" (British Columbia)

Canadian Community Leadership Co-Chair, Jonathon Perkins visited Leadership Sea to Sky. In the CCLNet newsletter, QUEST, he tells us:

"On May 18th, I was priviledged to visit with the current cohort of the Leadership Sea-to-Sky program in Whistler, B.C., as part of a visit to observe the

Trudeau Foundation Summer Institute.

As part of their regular learning day, the group was hosting a discussion with Seth Klein of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office,

followed by a community event later that evening on the same subject.

Seth's powerful message was around the significant opportunity we have

to change the course of Canadian poverty reduction plans

by emphasizing the concept of the living wage.

Read more HERE:

A visit to Leadership Sea-to-Sky

http://communityleadership.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=32

***

Take a look...What is CCLNet?

Leadership Thunder Bay Class

photos on CCLNet's New Website!

http://communityleadership.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24:quest-websitelaunch&catid=6:current-issue&Itemid=32

***

PSST...How's the 100 Day Plan???

Presenting...Our Graduates!

2011-06-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyrigh 2011

Harbour Youth Services 40th Anniversary AMAZING Race CAP Team!
Dani Feenstra, Evelyn Tuomi, John Walmark, Kimberly Nott

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011
"Electoral Participation ONWA" CAP Team (Ground-breaking research!)
Paul Francis, Krysta Logozzo, Mary Jo Dool, Joe Zamal

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

The "Out of Darkness" CAP Team (A Canadian First Walk!):
Gregory Brenk, Samantha Moir, Fern Tarzia,
Nancy Campbell, Robin Cawlishaw

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

YES Student Mentoring CAP Team ("Leadership for our next generation")
Vivian Ledger, Nikos Mantis, Margot Ross, Stephanie Ross

What a difference these leaders have made in our community - already!

Let me conclude an incredible Leadership Thunder Bay year with an invitation to a piece written by Peter Block in his book, "Community: The Structure of Belonging".

"The context that restores community is one of
possibility,
generosity,
and gifts -
rather than one of problem solving, fear and retribution.

A new context acknowledges that we have all the
capacity,
expertise
and resources that an alternative future requires.
Communities are human systems
given form by conversations
that build relatedness,
where citizens show up by choice.

The SMALL GROUP
is the unit of transformation
and the
container
for the experience of belonging.

Conversations that focus on stories, parables and a focus on the future,
restore our communities (and our people).

A heartfelt THANK YOU
to our Host Organizations
for allowing our small CAP teams
become part of YOUR Conversations
and YOUR futures!

Best,
Maggie

Congratulations Alumni!

2011-06-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

An Invitation for You

Leadership Thunder Bay is one of 20 programs across Canada. We are proud to be part of the Canadian Community Leadership Network, affiliated to support the growth and development of each participant.

LTB's core is its' volunteers - mostly Alumni - who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that your experience is always at the height of quality and tailored to your leadership learning objectives. Our communities become stronger, each time a new graduate commits to sharing their own leadership skills with others.

Leadership Thunder Bay invites you to consider volunteering with us!

The Board of Directors is comprised of Alumni. We are seeking nominations for the Board, with one vacancy to run until November 2011, with reappointment for a 2 year term. We may have another position to fill at the AGM in November as well.

(The Board meets monthly for 90 minutes, as well as taking on roles with AdHoc Committees and Strategic Planning initiatives.)

Are you ready to make top level decisions with us? Let our President, Stewart Kallio know about your interest in serving with the Board.

The Program Committee oversees the design of the Curriculum, decides on content and guest presenters as well as locations for Leadership Learning Days. A separate Evaluation Committee reviews results and assists with learning objectives. The Community Action Project (CAP) committee supports the experiential component of the program).

We need: 2 members for the Curriculum Committee (maternity leaves!), and others for Evaluation and CAP/Conference Committee.

Are you interested in serving on the Program Committee?

Let Rebecca Johnson know about your preferences.

The Community Engagement Committee - Alumni!

Would you like to be the Class Representative for 2010-2011? Two of you can share the duties of attending Alumni Meetings (monthly) and helping to plan special events (like the Fireside Chat in November and special luncheons, etc.)

If you are ready to step up as an Alumni/Class Rep or member of Alumni Committee, please let Melanie Zigman, Alumni Chair (or myself) know about your interests.

Other Opportunities

We need you in many other ways as well: Guest presenter/Alumni at Learning Days... Co-facilitator at the Retreat... Contacting sponsors and assisting with fund-raising... Ad Hoc committees.... Photographers/Writers/Artists...

"Success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting what you get." (David Gardner)

Wishing you much happiness and success,

Maggie

PS Act on these opportunities NOW!

Top 100 Canadian CEO to Speak At LTB Grad

2011-05-30T07:59:00.000-04:00

Julie Dill is President of Union Gas Limited.

Special Guest Announcement!

An open invitation...

Union Gas Limited has been an outstanding Sponsor and supporter of Leadership Thunder Bay - from Day 1! We are pleased to announce a special guest appearance by Ms. Julie Dill, President at our graduation ceremonies. She is outstanding! Ms. Dill will be speaking about authenticity in leadership.

Please invite your colleagues, family and friends to this special portion of our celebration evening, beginning at 6:40 pm. There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP to Rebecca Johnson (rjohnson@thunderbay.ca). And of course, ask everyone to stay for cake!

**********************************************************************************************
Ms Julie Dill has a wealth of experience in the energy sector, having served in a number of executive capacities in the natural gas and power industries.

Before assuming her current role in January 2007, she served as group executive – investor relations and chief communications officer for Duke Energy. She was responsible for monitoring changes and trends in investment markets, as well as developing, maintaining and enhancing key relationships and communications with retail and institutional investors, financial analysts and financial institutions. Dill also led the corporation’s communications and public affairs functions.

Dill joined Duke Energy International (DEI) in September 1998 as senior vice president of planning and finance and chief financial officer for DEI, where she was responsible for economic and strategic analysis, planning and all aspects of financial and management accounting and reporting. In June 2001, she was named executive vice president, Asia Pacific. She was responsible for the assets and operations in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, which included 1439 net miles (2300 km) of natural gas pipelines, 778 net megawatts of thermal power generation and energy marketing across the region. She was named vice president of investor and shareholder relations in January 2005. She was named to her current position in January 2007.

Prior to joining DEI, Dill was fiscal director of transportation with Equilon Enterprises, a Royal Dutch Shell company. During her 17 years with Shell Oil Company, she served in several leadership capacities that included assignments in exploration and production, internal auditing, and refining and marketing. Dill was also involved in the transition work and strategic planning for the alliance between Shell, Texaco and Star Enterprises in the U.S. refining and marketing business.

Dill received a bachelor of business administration degree, summa cum laude, in finance from New Mexico State University (NMSU).

Dill serves as vice-chair of the Ontario Energy Association and is past chair of the Canadian Gas Association. She also serves on the Board of the United Way of Chatham-Kent, was a founding member of the United Way of Chatham-Kent’s Women’s Leadership Council and sits on the Advisory Council for the College of Business and Economics at New Mexico State University. She was named one of the top 50 Women in Energy in 2002 and named by the Ontario Energy Association as the Energy Leader of the Year in 2010. She was named to the New Mexico State University College of Business Hall of Fame in 2000, and was the 2010 Distinguished Alumni for the College of Business.

Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with nearly 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves 1.3 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas's growing storage and transmission business offers premium storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. It offers customers an important link in the movement of natural gas from Western Canadian and U.S. supply basins to markets in central Canada and the northeast U.S. A Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, Union Gas has assets of $5 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.
President, Union Gas Limited
For more information, contact Executive Communications 713.627.5400
Spectra Energy 5400 Westheimer Court Houston, TX 77056-5310
www.spectraenergy.com
Union Gas Limited 50 Keil Drive North Chatham, ON Canada N7M 5M1 519.352.3100
www.uniongas.com

11.08.2010

Executive Profile
Julie A. Dill

Where You Heading?

2011-05-25T07:28:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

A few more weeks, and you'll be hitting the trails as an Alumni...

Happy Trails to You
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
- Dale Evans and Roy Rogers
Did you just hum along to this old campfire song?
Did you hear the leadership message?
Great advice pops up out of nowhere every day.

Being "mindful" - in the moment -
helps you to dig well beneath the surface of just any old lyric to spark up your leadership style.
"Its the way you ride the trail that counts..."

This month's theme is "authenticity", being true to yourself...not faking it...knowing where you're going...

Who packed your camper full of gear...set your direction?
Are you travelling so fast that you don't catch
that special double rainbow
as you glide past?

Some Old "Cowboy Rules" Still Apply to Leadership!Roy Rogers was known as King of the Cowboys. Dale Evans was Queen of the West. Roy and Dale started off in radio, and became the tv leaders of a generation of kids in the 50's.

Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules:

1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and take care of them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and our country.

Just for fun...for the right-brainers:

"Don't Fence Me In"

Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze,
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.

Just turn me loose, let me straddle my old saddle
Underneath the western skies.
On my Cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains rise.

I want to ride to the ridge where the west commences
And gaze at the moon till I lose my senses
And I can't look at hovels and I can't stand fences
Don't fence me in.

Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in

Just turn me loose, let me straddle my old saddle
Underneath the western skies
On my Cayuse, let me wander over yonder
Till I see the mountains rise.
Ba boo ba ba boo.

I want to ride to the ridge where the west commences
And gaze at the moon till I lose my senses
And I can't look at hobbles and I can't stand fences
Don't fence me in.
No.
Poppa, don't you fence me in

The Final Question(s)

2011-05-14T11:24:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Leadership "Flow"

I invite you to look forward to feeling uncomfortable as you delve into your leadership journey in, perhaps, a new and unfamiliar way.

I invite you to orchestrate your own happiness, and let go of some familiar fears, frustrations and stress.

I invite you to ask for feedback on your VIA Character Strengths.

I invite you to replace judgment of yourself and others with questions. Get into "flow".....

Who is the "authentic" you?
What is your "Why"?
How does your "Why" work in the world around you?
TO DO: TA DAH!
Send your questions for the HOT SEAT round to us this week. I will post on next week's blog, so you'll have a "heads up" for what might be in store.
If you need to chat, or go for coffee to discuss where you're at, just let me know.

Best.... happy searching,
Maggie

Passion? What rhymes with passion?

2011-05-09T11:13:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

3 Veils Waterfalls
"Power + Influence + Passion"

Extraordinary Leadership's PASSION

Let me introduce you to the most passionate poet of the Century
- Kirk Nugent.

He's got a cool, dynamic perspective on what it takes to get the most out of your life, including a little chunk on what's happening in the cemetary.

Take a look - and if you have time, a second (deeper) review.

Which lines really speak to you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb-Iweijt1s&feature=related

(Kirk Nugent "Pursue Your Passion" with text)

"Education is a wonderful thing, provided you always remember that nothing worth knowing can ever be taught."- Oscar Wilde

A simple question

2011-04-26T07:50:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

A simple question for you:

What If...
You begin every day with

YES?
One person's interpretation here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwjzmFNIWEQ&feature=related

Is A Happy Leader A Better Leader?

2011-04-19T07:39:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Happy You? Happy Them?

There's a fundamental principle here:
What is "real" happiness?
How is that inner joy, joie de vivre connected to your leadership?

Let's start with an excerpt of the Flip Side
by author Sharon Saltzberg.
(with thanks to Sandra Schrift)

Spiritual teacher, Sharon Salzberg, reminds us that The Five Hindrances are obstacles that arise in our meditation practice—and in our lives—that throw us into confusion.

They are:
Desire, Aversion, Laziness, Restlessness, and Doubt.

Each of them has its own way of knocking us off the path of practice, and yet, dealing with the Hindrances is our practice. If we had no negative emotional states to confront, we wouldn't be on the spiritual path at all! “

Each of us has a genuine capacity for
love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion.

Meditation awakens these qualities so that we can discover for ourselves the unique happiness that is our birthright.”

To hear Sharon Saltzberg chat about
"REAL" Happiness,
go to
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/16/sharon-salzberg-real-happiness_n_824042.html

To read her views on "RESILIENCE",
click on
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharon-salzberg/sorrow-resilience-human-spirit_b_810425.html

Happiness is an "asset" of yours.
Is a happy leader a better leader?
What do you think?

ps: remember to complete the VIA Strengths survey & send me a copy of your results.

Best!
Maggie

Feeling Good!!!

2011-04-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Are You At Your BEST?

Have you thought about your best level of performance as a leader?

When does it happen for you? How mentally tough are you?

"When you feel good...you perform well."

To be "mentally tough"

- courageously moving forward -

means that you have the ability to create and maintain

positive internal feelings

regardless of the circumstances.

Which comes first -

the positive feelings

or the

outstanding performance?

If you think "feeling good" is a result of doing well,

you've got it backwards.

Thanks to the configuration of the human nervous system,

the

emotions

have to be

in place

first.

Outstand Performance: Feelings

Mental Calmness
Physical Relaxation
Freedom from Anxiety
Energy (as in what athletes call "pumped up, revved" - energy without tension
Optimism
EnJOYment
Effortlessness
Automaticity
Alertness
Focus
Self-confidence
Control

Emotional control can give you the stamina

to practice

and the

staying power for achieving your goals,

along with the

ATTITUDES

required for performing at the upper levels of your abilities.

At our learning day on Thursday,

think about these emotional elements while interacting with our guest speakers

- one who is well into his senior years and

who keeps performing at higher and higher levels (effortlessly, it seems)!

He will challenge you to do the same...

Learning Cafe, @ 8:30 for coffee!

(PS: we had a great time in St Lucia! Relaxed, ready to roll...)

Gladwell Inspired Guest Blog by Kimberly Nott

2011-04-04T10:17:00.001-04:00

Deborah Rhodes – a leader in breast cancer research and her Michael Gladwell moment!
While browsing Talks on “riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world”, I came across a Talk about a tool that finds three times more breast tumours.

Deborah Rhodes is an expert at managing breast-cancer risk. She is the director of the Mayo Clinic's Executive Health Program and is currently testing a gamma camera that can see tumours that get missed due to dense breasts. Traditional mammography still cannot detect the early onset of breast cancer in as many as 1 of every 4 women ages 40-49 and women with dense breast tissue are 4 to 6 times more likely to develop cancer than others.

Rhodes had her light bulb moment while reading an article that Malcolm Gladwell wrote in the New Yorker on innovation. Gladwell made the case that scientific discoveries are rarely the product of one individual's genius.

Rather, big ideas can be orchestrated, if you can simply gather people with different perspectives in a room and get them to talk about things they don't ordinarily talk about.

This statement from Rhodes encompassed everything we are learning in Leadership Thunder Bay and what I witness and feel every time I am engrossed by a TED Talk.

Originally I was drawn to this video because breast cancer does run in my family (of course I was chocked up at the end), but this video is much more than just the right minds getting together at the right time.

It really hit home for me because not only are we learning that it takes a team, community, and/or group of people to enable leaders to be at their fullest potential but we are also reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell and realizing that the mind is a powerful entity influenced by intuition and stereotypes.

I hope that we can all find the passion that Rhodes exhibits. The more and more I am exposed to these amazing leaders around the world and in our backyard the more I search for my reason for being and what I WILL do to change my life and maybe someone else’s for the better.

The history of science is full of ideas that several people had at the same time.

While at a conference Rhodes was introduced to a nuclear physicist, Micheal O'Connor, who was a specialist in cardiac imaging. He was telling Rhodes about a new type of gamma detector. The traditional machine is huge with bulky tubes and Rhodes had thought in her early years of using this type of detector for breast cancer because breast density doesn't influence the results of the test, but it just couldn't get close enough around the breasts. The new gamma detector O'Connor mentioned was made of a thin layer of a semiconductor material that served as the gamma detector. Rhodes and O'Connor discussed the issue of breast density and they quickly realized that this new technology could be easily manipulated to get close enough around the breast to actually find small tumours. Rhodes indicated that after putting together a grid of these cubes with duct tape, hacking off the X-ray plate of a mammography machine that was about to be thrown out they attached the new detector, and decided to call this machine Molecular Breast Imaging, or MBI.

Rhodes collaborated with a nuclear physicist, an internist, a biomedical engineer, and two radiologists, who were trying to take on the entrenched world of mammography with a machine that was held together by duct tape. They faced high doses of scepticism in those early years but they were so convinced that they might be able to make this work that they chipped away with incremental modifications to this system. The duct tape is now gone and they added a second detector on top of the breast, which has further improved the tumour detection.

"MBI detects three times as many breast tumors as mammography in high-risk women. Although it would not replace mammograms, it might become an additional tool for screening, especially in higher risk women with a dense tissue that makes tumors hard to spot. " CTV News, Sept. 4, 2008

The MBI unit has now been FDA approved, but sadly it's not yet widely available.

For the full TED Talk please visit http://www.ted.com/talks/deborah_rhodes.html.

Peter Block Speaks His Mind

2011-03-27T08:08:00.002-04:00

Photo Credit:Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

How do you change the world?
You change the...
CONVERSATION

John McKnight and Peter Block have more in common than a Community Development profession. They are both challenging the system, committing to working with one neighbourhood at a time, one room at a time, one conversation at a time.

If you haven't ever heard of John, then go back to last week's blog and read more.
(That's a hint... you need this background for our "conversations" in April.)

This time, let's hear from Peter Block in this short video about his views on what's happening in North America, and why the old bureaucratic silos won't get us where we need to go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwwIF5OczHE&NR=1
(CCPS Imagine the Possibilities Part 3)

If you're interested, Peter is featured on 3 (10 minute) video clips featuring the City of Carlsbad California. Thunder Bay is just beginning this journey...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwahGcEiAr0&NR=1

At our April learning day, we'll hear from 3 leaders who lead...and ignore the traditional path to get commitment and results. It's going to be...interesting!

Leading Abundant Communities

2011-03-22T15:29:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Who is leading who?

I wish... that Leadership Thunder Bay could have invited John McKnight* to speak to us!

How do we rebuild the capacity and the neighbourhoods in our City? How do we create the "Infinite Possibilities?

Instead... here is what John McKnight, said in Nova Scotia:

There is a new worldwide movement developing, made up of people with a different vision for their local communities. They know that movements are not organizations, institutions or systems. Movements have no CEO, central office, or plan. Instead, they happen when thousands of people discover together new possibilities for their lives.
They have a calling. They are called. And together they call upon themselves.

Fortunately, at the heart of our movement are three universal and abundant powers.The three basics of our calling are:

•The giving of gifts: The gifts of the people in our neighborhood are boundless. Our movement calls forth those gifts.

•The power of association: In association, we join our gifts together and they become amplified, magnified, productive and celebrated.

•Hospitality: We welcome strangers because we value their gifts and need to share our own. Our doors are open. There are no strangers here. Just friends we haven’t met.

Ours is the movement of abundance. There is no limit to our gifts, our associations, and our hospitality.

We have a calling. We are the people who know what we need. What we need surrounds us. What we need is each other. And when, we act together, we will find Our Way. The citizen’s way. The community way. The democratic way. We are called to nothing less. And it is not so wild a dream.

http://www.abundantcommunity.com/home/getting_started/community_capacities_and_community_neecessities.html “From Clients to Citizens Forum,” Coady International Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, July 8, 2009

April LLD: The Charitable Sector
Location: The Learning Cafe

We will be exploring how leaders mobilize community assets...and how to connect one neighbourhood to another through key strategies.

In preparation, please go to the Abundant Community Blog here:
http://www.abundantcommunity.com/home/getting_started.html

Happy Spring!!

More next week about John McKnight!

Doorways: Enter? Exit?

2011-03-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: RIchard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Leadership:
What are you doing with those everyday doorways?

It's so easy to get stuck in what's obvious...the patterns of behaviour that have been stamped into your cells from the time you first took command of your world.

Your kids remind you of this regularly: "It's MINE... I want to do it MY way!"

Over time, we only see the openings, the possibilities in limited directions.

Are you entering through the door? Or exiting?

Is it so familiar that you don't even notice the

frame, the archway, the tiles under your feet?

Does it matter how differently you perceive this one point of entry, or exit

- than your team and your colleagues?

We discussed "Intersections" of possibility

(the crossroads of ideas, things and actions

that may at first not have anything in common at first glance).

The questions posed by Seth Godin (below)

might spark your thinking about your personal intersections...

I'm suggesting that you ask your colleagues and your team, how THEY would answer ... get some feedback...

Check it out...Are you entering while they are exiting through the same door?

Seven questions for leaders

Do you let the facts get in the way of a good story?

What do you do with people who disagree with you... do you call them names in order to shut them down?

Are you open to multiple points of view or you demand compliance and uniformity? [Bonus: Are you willing to walk away from a project or customer or employee who has values that don't match yours?]

Is it okay if someone else gets the credit?

How often are you able to change your position?

Do you have a goal that can be reached in multiple ways?

If someone else can get us there faster, are you willing to let them?

No textbook answers... It's easy to get tripped up by these. In fact, most leaders I know do.
- Seth Godin

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/03/seven-questions-for-leaders.html

Speaking of Leadership "Karma"...

Play!

Thanks Robin

http://www.karmatube.org/

A Door is a Door is a Door?

2011-03-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

A door is a door is a door?

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

How do we open the door to
Thunder Bay's innovative culture?
...or is the door open and we just haven't noticed yet?

"it's no use saying, "We're doing our best."
You have got to succeed in doing what's necessary. - Sir Winston Churchill

Greed destroys wealth. Trust and integrity, by contrast, foster prosperity.
- Patricia Aburdene, Megatrends 2010

Freedom is not the right to live as we please,
but the right to find hour we ought to live in order
to fulfill our potential.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Great works are not performed by strength
but by perseverance."
- Samuel Johnson

"Men build too many walls
and not enough bridges." - Sir Isaac Newton

"We are only happiest when we are making progress."
- unknown

"Adversity reveals genius." - Horace

"If you ever need a helping hand,
you'll find one at the end of your arm."
- Yiddish proverb

"All men of action are dreamers."
- James Huncker

Which doors are you unlocking, opening, entering, closing, remodelling...?

Do You Reward Failure?

2011-02-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Do You Reward FailUre?

Get used to it: Failure is part of innovation!

Although failing isn't comfortable,

it can be one of the smartest team dynamics for any leader's portfolio.

(If your team never fails, U Fail as a leader...)

A team without ideas - and failures - ends up working in a "factory" of mundane and predictable results.

In his excellent book, The Medici Effect, Frans Johansson says:

Reward Failure:

make sure people are aware that failure to execute ideas is the greatest failure, and will be punished
make sure everyone learns from past failures; do not reward the same mistakes over and over again
If people show low failure rates, be suspicious. Maybe they are not taking enough risks, or maybe they are hiding their mistakes, rather than allowing others in the organization to learn from them
Hire people who have had intelligent failures and let others in the organization know that's one reason they were hired.

Ideas happen at "intersections" - generated through the explosion of concept combinations. Some of those ideas will fail - others won't!

Find a frozen seat by the shores of the Lake, take 5 to appreciate nature's creative "mistakes" (and your leadership style!).

PS: Did you read last week's 2 part long blog yet?

Link for Part 2: Innovation +

2011-02-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the speedy reader who spotted the missing link in Part 2 of this week's posts:

http://media.lateralaction.com/motivatecreate.pdf

Enjoy! It's a good read - and helps with your goal setting & forward action as well!

m;)

Creativity + Innovation + Motivation = Part 2

2011-02-20T11:30:00.001-05:00

Creativity....Innovation....

+ Motivation?

What does "Motivation" have to do with it?

I'm not going to answer that question for you.

In fact, we'll be spending some thinking time together on March 10, delving into the many aspects of Creativity and Innovation, for you as leaders,
and for Thunder Bay - in a community perspective.

"Inifinite Possibilities" - changing the mindset of a whole city...

It's going to be interesting!

To get you started, here's an e-book that links creativity, innovation and motivation.

HEY! How's that goal setting coming along? That's connected to all of this...

Fine print (yes, 60 pages...easy read)

Enjoy! Link is here: (Corrected!)

http://media.lateralaction.com/motivatecreate.pdf

Intro: Creativity,Innovation - What's the Difference? Part 1

2011-02-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

Where are these butterflies? First correct answer wins a "Surprise"!

http://www.banffcentre.ca/departments/leadership/library/pdf/creative_questioning.pdf

Creativity : Innovation

What's the difference?

How do we create a

culture

of creativity and innovation?

“WE LEAD BY BEING HUMAN.

WE DO NOT LEAD BY BEING CORPORATE,

BY BEING PROFESSIONAL

OR BY BEING INSTITUTIONAL.”

- Paul Hawken

Let's begin by delving into some concepts which will help you to understand how creativity works...and how that leads to innovative action.

The Banff Centre's excellent online library is a great resource. Start here:

http://www.banffcentre.ca/departments/leadership/library/pdf/refining_the_meaning_of_creativity_and_innovation.pdf

Next here:

http://www.banffcentre.ca/departments/leadership/library/pdf/creating_value.pdf

“THE STUPIDITY OF PEOPLE COMES FROM HAVING

AN ANSWER FOR EVERYTHING.

THE WISDOM OF THE NOVEL

COMES FROM HAVING

A QUESTION FOR EVERYTHING.”

– MILAN KUNDERA, CZECH NOVELIST

??????????

This week.....play more!

Next week? More on innovation!

Send me your answers for the Butterfly Photo!

Infinite Possibilities? COMMENTS please!

2011-02-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

The Power of Tunnel Vision

Take a guess: where was this photo taken?

It's not Thunder Bay. How would you know?

We were in Duluth Minnesota, enjoying the waterfront on the first day of spring, 2010. Our hotel was adjacent to the Boardwalk that circles the bay on Lake Superior, and we were excited to spend 2 nights for the price on one, with a breakfast buffet and free parking!

We talked about Thunder Bay's decades-old "tunnel vision" and the vocal disagreements about what is happening with our marina complex re-design. Even though the project is progressing, there's still squabbles about the hotels and condos.

That's when Rick happened to notice a garbage container with a perfect round space to snap this photo.

All of which brings me to the perception that citizens in Thunder Bay would rather debate innovation, than use all of that energy to step into a new reality to turn our economy on its head.

Infinite Possibilities?

What has been holding us back from transformation?
Ian Percy (http://www.ianpercy.com/), our speaker at the leadership luncheon puts it all on the ENERGY we create.

He says, for greater possibilities, expand your focus.

Think about that. If each one of us, expands our focus, our networks, our own energy to move things ahead,
what could Thunder Bay be like in just a few days - months - years?

This is a fantastic city, but we work in tiny circles of influence. We don't know what's going on across town or in a unfamiliar building or organization.

If we could build the synergy around our best efforts and accomplishments, think about the possibilities!

Ian wasn't joking when he said that we've grown up like chickens in a coop - confined by past best practices, industrial mindsets and (let me add), 40 year old resentments around amalgamation.

We have options:
Would you rather be framed in a chicken coop, or fly free range?

More later....I invite you to talk about this...

Send in your comments!

(Note: Example! Rebecca posed the question:
Would Ian Percy be a relevant speaker for a Leadership Thunder Bay luncheon?
She asked a few of us to help, and within 8 days, we had the room sold out!
Isn't this a perfect example of what it takes to create opportunities that can change attitudes and shift mindsets??
Thank you for participating!)

Take 20

2011-02-06T05:51:00.002-05:00

When you give away a smile, it always comes back to you.
Photocredit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011

Take 20...minutes....

and click into this TED show that manages to combine all of our topics for our Holistic Environment Learning Day at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre* on February 10!

Environment + Innovation + Health + Systems Thinking + Social Transformation + Texting Fish ...
with a dash of humour and engineering!

Grab a java, go to the "Art of the Eco-Mindshift"
with Natalie Jeremijenko:
http://www.ted.com/talks/natalie_jeremijenko_the_art_of_the_eco_mindshift.html

Why the Sister Margaret Smith Centre?
It's LEED certified...

“Design that supports the core values of the client in an environment that boasts ample daylight and a direct connection to the outdoors.”

Located in Thunder Bay Ontario, the Sister Margaret Smith Centre provides residential and non-residential services for the treatment of addictions including drug and alcohol, gambling and eating disorders, amongst others.

The Centre has been designed to support the Core Values of the
St Joseph’s Care Group which are:
compassionate and holistic care,
dignity and respect,
faith based care,
inclusiveness and
truthfulness and trust.
This is most evident at the main hall of the building known as the Hall of Recovery
which organizes the three main components of the program
in a dignified, calm, welcoming and comforting setting.
Three large round roof windows, looking to the heavens,
represent the Windows of Hope:
one for each of the mind (therapy rooms), body (gymnasium) and soul (spiritual space).

This project is targeting LEED* Gold certification.
Kuch Stevenson Gibson Malo Architects and Engineer.
http://www.montgomerysisam.com/projects/sister-margaret-smith-addictions-treatment-centre

*Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Going, Going...Greener!

2011-01-31T09:49:00.001-05:00

Someone in Vancouver BC "Gets It"
Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright

How's Your Green "Literacy" Anyway?

Sometimes we hear the message but don't take action. Let's think again...

Take a look at this article about green literacy, education, and systems thinking for sustainable mindsets.

Sustainability Literacy in a Nutshell

Traditional education is too often reduced to job training. Sustainability literacy, on the other hand, focuses on the practical skills that students will need to survive and adapt in a world that is rapidly changing

due to climate change, dwindling energy resources and ecosystem degradation. Ecological literacy, place-based education and a cosmological approach to education are excellent suggestions. But they do not fully recognize that the transition to sustainability will require creating a learning society where people gain sustainability literacy skills together.

Just as it “takes a village to raise a child,” it will take human society

as a whole to learn how to live lightly on the Earth.

No one person or group of people has all the answers.

We need the knowledge of Indigenous peoples, the expertise of people who work on the land, the curiosity of children and the wisdom of elders.

We need artists, scientists, poets, engineers, spiritual leaders and film stars.

In short, we need everyone’s creativity and ingenuity.

Only by listening to each other and sharing what we know will humankind be capable of evolving truly sustainable societies.

Exploring Holistic Leadership

2011-01-24T12:11:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine 2011 iCopyright

"In an environment which has living structure each of us tends,

more easily,

to become alive."

- Christopher Alexander

Holistic Leadership...what does it mean
to you?

If you take a close look at the photo (above),
reflect on what you see "in your own moment" and think about
all the systems which created that moment,
you will start to understand the true meaning of "holistic" leadership.

Study it for a couple of minutes... how many systems are inter-related? What kind of collaboration needs to happen between like and unlike elements?

What does it take for the waxwings to perch on the branch? For the branch to grow? For the berries to ripen? What nurtures? What storms/crises have created these circumstances?

What does it take for the photographer to be ready, at that moment? What has he learned, studied? What made him aware?

Nature is a holistic leader's best teacher. It is the ultimate in "Systems Thinking".

*****

You might also enjoy reading Margaret Wheatley's short article on
Leading in the Age of Complexity.
Link is here:

http://www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/Leadership-in-Age-of-Complexity.pdf

Guest Blogs! Ross+Ross & Jim + Empathy Body Language = 10 minutes read time

2011-01-17T06:21:00.013-05:00

Photo Credit: Stewart Kallio 2010

"To experience fearlessness, it is necessary to experience fear." - Shambala

Got Goals?

It is that time of year again.

The time of year we look forward to with relish and dread, the time of year to examine our lives

and assess where we are going.

It is the time of year for fresh ideas, hopes and dreams; it is the time of year to make our New Year’s Resolutions.Jim's Journey

We are not going to use this blog as a medium to cite the percentage of resolutions that fail within the first three weeks. (You can visit your local gym for proof that resolutions can be the mental equivalent of Teflon.)

We are writing, instead, to remind you of

the power of having a goal.

Remember the retreat and think of your nose buddies.

With your nose buddy you set out a goal and f

ormulated a plan.

Now is a good time to reflect back on the retreat and the personal goal each of us set out to attain.

Some of us have done a fantastic job working towards achieving that goal, moving forward in leaps and bounds. Others are moving forward at a more leisurely pace.

The key here is that there is, in fact,

movement occurring.

With the holiday season at an end, take a few minutes to connect with your nose buddy and discuss your goal.

They can help you stay on track and have great suggestions on how to obtain your goal.

If not, it is a great excuse to get out of the cold

and have a hot Java.

- Margot & Stephanie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We think that poverty is being hungry, naked and homeless.

The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.

We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." - Mother Teresa

A Letter to My Sister

Published with Permission

Not for reproduction

December 2009

Introduction

What I’d like to talk about this morning are some personal experiences as they relate to me living under many conditions imposed by poverty. A lot of people have preconceived ideas and notions about the poor. I know that my fellow panelists will offer information that is reflective of their passions and line of work. This morning, I am going to try to put a face to the issues that you’re learning about, and I hope this helps your understanding as you spend the day discussing this important subject.

Poverty has always existed. There have been numerous research studies that identify well established, albeit fluid stats. There are many common themes and trends tied to the subject. Media coverage going into Christmas talks about the plight of homelessness, the working poor being one paycheck away from living impoverished and how more and more families with children need access to food banks. We hear about shelters and other agencies hosting Christmas dinners, or see the firemen and women supporting Toys for Tots in our malls and those dressed up like Santa raising money for the Salvation Army. These images that come before us each year cannot only be symbolic of Christmas, but with poverty as well.

I think there is a lot of awareness at a very basic level. At the same time, there is probably just as many myths and misconceptions that deter people from wanting to help or get involved to eradicate poverty. The vast majority of people have gone hungry even if just for a short time. We can imagine how it would be to face starvation often. It’s like relating to the weather. There is a variety of means to information and experts and people as a collective are aware of and understand the nature of the beast in poverty. Yet, poverty has a nasty trend of getting exceedingly dire year after year. There are powerful influences that impact on people’s ability to help the poor, such as our own depleted pocket books. I think what troubles me most is how the rate of poverty is not apt to improve any time soon or in the foreseeable future.

With all its issues and complexities, poverty can be a difficult subject to teach and a much harder one to rectify. If you follow the news, you’re aware that people are reaching out for help for the first time. Despite well meaning people with good intentions and efforts, our society has not proven capable of keeping up with the mounting needs. Food bank lines get longer with less to offer while some shelters provide record numbers of meals per month. Children are sent to school on empty stomachs, compromising their learning and potentially life beyond school. Stressed families are utilizing other social service agencies like mental health and credit counseling. Sometimes these ripple effects lead to more tragic consequences as in substance abuse, homelessness and suicide. In the past two months, one friend of mine gambled away his cheque while another is trying to drink away his troubles or reality as he feels and lives it. It is all relative, and unique for people.

My Story

There are reasons for impoverishment that are often deep seated by nature. Everybody has their story and I want to share some experiences that strongly affected me at quite a young age.

My father was a Chief Chemist at a firm and I grew up in a middle class neighbourhood in Winnipeg. My family consisted of me, my mother and an older sister. Our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter were comfortably met. Nevertheless, I was unaware that I was headed and to some extent destined to travel a journey into that of poverty.

A child’s developmental years are the most influential and important ones of life. As a youngster, I did not have to worry about hunger. I did, however, have to deal with an abusive, alcoholic father who was also addicted to Valium since before I was born. He was an ill man and I can’t attest to all of the reasons as to why he made it perfectly clear at a very young age that he did not like me. He was a constant presence and one to be feared and not trusted. His behaviors and actions towards and against me instilled and created an exceedingly negative picture or image of myself that took decades to reverse and overcome.

The abuse at first was mentally, emotionally and psychologically inflicted with harsh put downs like, “you’re stupid; you’ll never amount to anything; nobody likes you” and every time he said, “you make me sick” it struck at the very core of my being. The result was a 5 year old kid fearing people to where I did not talk much or want to be around others including kids my own age. I was quite introverted and never became friends with the kids on my block and at school. My insecurities, doubts and social awkwardness were being fed almost daily at the home-front. My father’s bitter words got the best of me until I agreed in that I was an unlikable and worthless thing. Huge inferiority complexes were soon augmented by feelings of self-loathing and I was turning into my own worst enemy. All of my fears, insecurities and my self-image extended to every aspect of my life including that of the school front.

I didn’t care about learning and despised school from kindergarten right up to the day that I dropped out. Even if I would have had a question in class, I was much too shy and unsure of myself to raise my hand and bring attention to myself. I was hospitalized for a few months for pneumonia and consequently failed grade one because my reading and writing skills were so underdeveloped.

I tell you this because failing only compounded my problems. All the kids I’d been around moved on whereas being held back forced me to be with younger kids that I didn’t know or want to be around for that matter. Eve at the time, I’m sure I felt that everything said by my father was consistent and fittingly suitable for where I was at.

By the time I was 9 years old, the abuse had reached heights I’d never fathomed before. To this day, I cannot account for how I got this idea to help me cope. I was experiencing strong desires to hurt myself, despite never hearing of such a thing or seeing it.

The day I decided to self-harm opened a Pandora’s box in a sense while on the other hand it may have saved my life. I took a large wrench and found satisfaction as soon as I began to hit my thigh until my skin was blackened. The act felt like deserved punishment, although I could not have foreseen the pleasure physical pain brought. Harming myself was actually more about self-preservation than destruction, but it was definitely something I wanted people to know about.

As time went by the self-abuse had evolved into more drastic acts of burning and cutting myself. By the age of 15, I needed a different method - something a bit more serious, but nowhere near fatal or requiring medical attention. My father was a hunter and the house was loaded with rifles and guns. I thought the air gun would do nicely and so I shot myself in my lower left side, thinking I would be able to feel, locate and cut out the pellet. It was not a suicide attempt, however I found myself in much more of a medical problem than I’d anticipated. I couldn’t feel the pellet and was bleeding more and faster than most cuts did.

I got too panicked and called a girl I’d met who actually spent time talking to me. The act and then telling her changed my life. I asked her to not tell anybody and to meet me on her street corner. As soon as I walked up to Marcie, her father jumped out of a parked car, put me in the back seat and drove me to a hospital. These acts in turn threw me into a kind of life I could not have understood let alone comprehend.

Being committed by one of my parents or perhaps both would turn out to be a life-defining experience. I woke up the next day to learn that I was a mental patient. I was locked up in that adult psychiatric ward and warehoused for 3 months when my mother over the phone told me I was to be transferred to a juvenile ward at a different hospital. I don’t think I’d ever been so angry as this time and utter defiance prevailed. This hospital had therapy and recreation and patients were expected to attend their school program. I wouldn’t talk or take part in anything they had to offer and after 3 months of disobedience, I believe the hospital staff gave up trying to get to me and I was discharged.

I returned home to a very ill, angry and violent father. If he didn’t start a fight with me some day I’d wonder what was going on inside his mind. With how he felt and in a houseful of guns, I for years wondered when he’d shoot and kill me. Early on, my mother pleaded with me to never fight back against him and so I never did. I’d let him hit and vent and then go and beat myself up. Whatever he could do, I could do better, or worse looking back, and this in a sense, lessened his abuse. By the time I was 16, my parents began kicking me out after the fights and I found myself in a scary world of homelessness.

Surviving

Abuse was something I’d learned to survive, but I was ill equipped to deal with being on the streets. Luckily, my mother put five dollars in the mailbox so I could eat and drink a little most days. What really bothered me was sleeping in parks and back seats of cars, and having nobody to tell or to provide support because I didn’t know what to do or what to expect next. Fortunately, my experiences with homelessness were only for a few days or a week at a time until my mother would let me back in the house.

Under threats of homelessness, I returned to school at 17. I was not prepared because evidently word was out that I was a crazy, psychiatric mental patient on the loose. It had all caught up with to me...I was marginalized and alienated by the students and I gave in and let them push me out the door when I quit for good with a grade 9 education. This was my lifestyle from a young age to the end of my schooling. What I’m really trying to illustrate and convey is that for a lot of children and youth, doing well in school and having aspirations and goals are trumped by more important things, like surviving.

To jump forward a few years, my father died of sclerosis of the liver when I was 21. At the age of 22, my mother told me to go to school, get a job or get out of her house and I certainly can’t blame her. I was in a world of my own and more messed up from having been drugged and raped a few months after I’d dropped out. I was not capable of work or school so I chose to move to T-Bay. This was much of a life-altering decision as when I pulled the trigger of that gun, only this time I was on a journey to recovery, with many incredible experiences to cherish.

I lived at the Empire Hotel for a week until I looked in the phone book for hospitals and saw the LPH listed. I did not know there was a McKellar hospital just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. I walked to and admitted myself into the LPH. After a committal of 6 months and a dozen electro convulsive therapies, I was told I was better and discharged to one of the group homes. From there I navigated my way through the mental health system as it existed. I learned a lot about the agencies and programs and came to build a value and belief system about them.

I got involved in my first committee in 1989 and for the first time I was interested in and excited about something. I’d found passion in advocacy and pulling others together for a mutual purpose. In 1990, I co-founded a “psychiatric survivors” organization called PACE. We were government funded by 1991 and I was hired as its Coordinator along with a Membership Development Worker and Office Manager. In a very short time, I went from living on welfare to being paid $33,000 a year. It was a huge income escalation and was the first time I had money. My biggest strength was probably passion and that would ironically be central to my exit from the workforce. I worked a hundred hour weeks, never took time off or went on a holiday and after four years I’d emptied the tank and I burned myself out. I went back to welfare, was denied a disability pension and found myself back into poverty as fast as I escaped it.

From 1994-1995, I had a number of part-time contract jobs relating to mental health: research studies, project development, a documentary and touring the film. But it was my last job in 2006 that taught me a lesson that I should have learned a dozen years before with PACE. A Toronto organization hired me to facilitate the development of a Mental Health and Criminal Justice Coalition in town here. Once again, passion prevailed and I was working a half-time job 12 to 15 hours every day. I couldn’t think about anything else and after a few months, the Coalition was in place with nearly 90 members in all.

After 5 months, I’d worked myself sick again. The Ministry of Health took part and it was now apparent that they had basically the same plans only with the power and money to take over. I was mentally exhausted and rapidly losing interest and becoming dangerously depressed until the day I completely lost my grip on reality.

A Nice Day to Die

One day I woke up and rather than going to a meeting, I decided it was a nice day to die. I fed my cats, cleaned their box and took a large handful of pills. I left my apartment in the midst of winter wearing runners, jeans and a T-shirt. I never brought keys or my wallet because I thought this was a one-way ticket and I’d be dead within an hour. I was spotted by police while trying to find a place to lay down. I was lucky for his timing. I woke up two days later with tubes in my nose and mouth after a brief coma. I’d stopped breathing so it was a close call. I was diagnosed with chronic stress and depression and quit the job a week later.

Passion as Strength and Limitation

I’ve come to see that my strengths are not without limitations and I’ve stuck to volunteering - which I’ve always had a passion for. I volunteer on the Children’s Centre Advocacy Committee and recently completed a six year term on their Board. After a year’s absence, one is eligible to serve a second 6 year term. The Nomination Committee is aware I want to come back and I hope to be elected come June.

So here I am, 23 years since moving from Winnipeg. I’d like to spend the last few minutes by using statements that describe my life as it relates to poverty today.

Think of Self as a FORTUNATE POOR PERSON

My source of income since 1995 has been from ODSP.

I’ve lived in Community Housing for four years. It is a subsidized apartment and I’ve lived here longer than the other 20 places I’ve lived since moving here.

My income is $625/month but I pay just $85 in rent. I pay $125 a month for hydro and another $45 for cable. I do not have a phone, computer and internet expenses. I spend $200 for my groceries and another $55 on my cats. A bus pass costs me $20 and there’s always odds and ends to get so I generally have a $130 - $140 surplus each month for clothes, etc.

There are additional expenses such as with clothing but by and large I can put aside $20 for coffee with friends, $40 for some movies, $25 to spoil myself with a pizza and $30 to add a hockey piece to my collection.

My basic needs are met with a little extra each month, but saving money is another matter as are emergencies (gloves, Christmas).

Some of the implications or consequences common to poverty are things like social isolation and sometimes alienation: “Not in My Back Yard” - NMBY syndrome.

There’s inactivity, uncertainty and insecurity, illnesses, mal-nutrition, deflated expectations and self-esteem. Homeless and impoverished people experience not only the same problems and issues. They also share mutual feelings and emotions. These are some of the feelings that I’ve experienced related to poverty and homelessness.

Feelings/Emotions re: Poverty

Humility

Degraded

Worthless

Shame

Anger

Guilt

Hopeless

Anxious

Disgrace

Trepidation

Helpless

Stuck

Burdensome

Upset

Desperate

Alienated

Trapped

Alone

Onerous

Stigmatized

Isolated

Courage

Indignity

Misunderstood

Disgust

Labeled

Stressed

Controlled

Embarrassed

Judged

Belittled

Fearful

Humiliated

Blamed

Worried

Demeaned

Useless

Lost

Empty

Displaced

Resourceful

Dependent

Foolish

Denial

Defeated

Loathed

Weak

Stupid

Apathy

Defaced

Grouped

Demoralized

Wounded

Resilient

Durable

Vulnerable

Why!

Overwhelmed

Untrusting

Prideless

Unworthy

Disrespected

Forever?

More Feelings/Emotions re: Poverty

Exposed

Undesirable

Destitute

Bound

Cold

Entrenched

Responsible

Undeserving

Flexible

Inferior

Failure

Unhealthy

Humiliated

Denounced

Stifled

Obligated

Powerless

Meaningless

Uneducated

Resourceful

Tenacity

Disadvantaged

Underachiever

Devalued

Marginalized

Grateful

Envy

Fortitude

Underestimated

Troubled

Uncertainty

Discouraged

Indignity

Excluded

Bored

Adaptable

Limited

Dismissed

Depressed

Exploited

Silent

Imposing

Vulnerable

Frustration

Oppressed

Compromised

Defunct

Wet

Hungry

Depleted

Fortunate

Accountable

Unsuccessful

Worried

Spent

Insecure

Broke

Stereotyped

Forgotten

Uncertainty

Discouraged

Indignity

Excluded

Bored

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds. " - Aristotle

"Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition.

It asks too little of yourself. Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential." -Barack Obama

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Found this article on the weekend for you: Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

People management:
The body language of empathy

Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman, Troy Media Corporation

U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter is retiring and President Barack Obama is looking for a nominee who has, among other qualifications, "empathy for ordinary Americans." I assume that the president has his own definition of empathy, but in my programs on The Nonverbal Advantage, I use the term to describe the human ability to internalize the emotional state of others by simply observing or mirroring their body language.

We are hard-wired to connect with others. The brain's mirror neuron system gives us the ability to create an image of the internal state of another person's mind. The moment you see an emotion expressed on someone's face – or read it in her gestures or posture – you subconsciously place yourself in the other person's "mental shoes," and begin to sense that same emotion within yourself.

Notice what happens naturally the next time you are talking with someone you like or are interested in. You'll find that you and your partner have subconsciously switched body postures to match one another - mirroring nonverbal behaviour and thereby signalling that you are connected and engaged. A recent research study observed two different teachers as they taught students. One used mirroring, the other did not. The students' reactions were substantially more positive toward the teacher using mirroring techniques. They believed that the teacher was much more successful, friendly, and appealing.

There are other forms of behavioral congruence in which people imitate each other without realizing it. Interactional synchronizing occurs when people move at the same time in the same way, simultaneously picking up coffee cups or starting to speak at the same time. This often occurs when we are getting along well with another person, and it can feel as though we are "on the same wavelength." In fact, synchronizing is once again the result of our subliminal monitoring of, and responding to, each other's nonverbal cues.

One executive told me that in a negotiation session he often mirrors the posture of the person he's dealing with. He noticed that doing so gives him a better sense of what the other person is experiencing. I've noticed this as well. Our bodies and emotions are so closely linked that by assuming another person's posture, you are not only gaining rapport, but are actually able to "get a feel" for his or her frame of mind.

In his book, On Becoming a Person, psychologist Carl Rogers wrote, "Real communication occurs when we listen with understanding – to see the idea and attitude from the other person's point of view, to sense how it feels to them, to achieve their frame of reference in regard to the thing they are talking about."

Reaching that goal of real communication – of understanding, of empathy – this is why nonverbal literacy is so crucial to our profession relationships.

This is an alltime longest blog post!
Shorter next week... comments welcome!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So Much for the Safety Net

2011-01-10T00:31:00.003-05:00

The Safety Net is Like a One Wheel Ride

How many of us have "Done the Math" or "Taken the Challenge"?

Music to Muse by while you read the links is here:

Xavier Rudd: Food in the Belly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d03SOMyKrGM&feature=relatedI

Welfare is supposed to be a temporary safety net.

So why do we penalize people who try to slowly work their way out of it?

You can view this story at: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/894037--porter-linda-chamberlain-s-job-was-making-her-broke

Thunder Bay writer, Joe Fiorito writes about a friend who can't escape the system in

The Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/796126--fiorito-dangerously-close-to-being-homeless

Send in your comments please.

As Thunder Bay's leaders, what are we doing - each of us - to contribute to the solutions?

2011: A Challenge For You & Your Family

2011-01-03T07:31:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010

STOP!

LTB has a challenge for you.

This month's theme is "Poverty & Homelessness".

Some of us have (or may still be) in a situation that we would term "poor" or possibly "homeless", like one of our LTB alumni. For others, this may be a totally new experience.

What is the Challenge you ask?

A. First, do the math.

How much do you spend in a month? Day?

"Do the Math" will help you determine how much you think one needs to live frugally, but in dignity and in reasonable health in Ontario.

"Do the Math" will take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

You will see your results at the end,

and will be able to compare it to

approximately 5,000 others who have completed this thus far.

Take the Do The Math Survey HERE:

http://putfoodinthebudget.ca/do-the-math/

B. Take the Challenge

Starting RIGHT NOW (ie, no prep time)...

for the NEXT SEVEN DAYS

Stop Spending $$$

record all of your expenditures (this should be a short list)
do not eat out at restaurants or buy coffee or snacks
live from the groceries you have at home without a single trip to the store
you may go to the Dew Drop In, Shelter House, Grace Place or other shelters for food (and replace what you ate in the next 30 days through donations)
do not purchase clothing, cleaning supplies, services (ie haircuts) or gas (cut back on your trips or ride share/take the bus)
all gifts you give this week should be recycled/re-gifted (no new purchases)
talk about this challenge with your children, friends and family,
and encourage others to Do the Math
record your thoughts and comments (see example below)

***

Excerpts from the Mihavic Family who "did the challenge" in Toronto, April 2010

Today's breakfast was the last breakfast that we had in the exercise. We had practically no food left, except for a bit of oatmeal (enough for one person), and coffee for Rosalee and me. We thought of making flatbread again but felt that enough was enough

(especially since the peanut butter ran out), and that we were close enough to lunch time, when we were breaking the diet.

The feeling in the home was frankly one of jubilation. We made it to the end abiding by the rules of the exercise.

We were hungry throughout the week but persisted. My daughters were proud that they made it, and we were proud of them for their determination and ability to stick with it.

... for many this exercise is their life and they cannot get off the treadmill.

There is a lot of thinking going on in my household on food, our family, who eats and doesn?t in our world, and social injustice.

Our family will never look at the folk going into the drop-in for a meal the same again.

This was a powerful exercise for us as a family, and frankly I am grateful that my daughters were a part of the challenge. It was a great learning experience for them, sensitizing them to the wider world and its inequalities. I for one want my children to be sensitized to pain of others in Toronto and not just its blessings.

There are a whole host of insights and thoughts I have around doing this on a broader scale. There is nothing like the experience of hunger, of walking in other?s shoes, even for a short time, to clarify and discipline the mind around what is important in our city. I want to work with others to broaden the experience for other families. I do believe that when middle class families like ours take up the challenge, that it will help to build the political and social momentum necessary to better our governments? and society's response.

Lastly, we are grateful to The Stop for opening our eyes, and more importantly for being there. Community organizations that work for and with the poor in our community, that advocate on their behalf are heroes in this story. How they do it every day and not burn out or get mega-angry at governments and the pace of societal change is remarkable.

More stories here:
http://dothemath.thestop.org//dothemathchallenge_updates.php

READY?

We will chat about the experience at our next LLD...

Collaborating Into the New Year

2010-12-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

A Gift for You

From our colleague, Ben Ziegler in Victoria BC...

an outstanding e-book on

COLLABORATION.

These "maxims" are the foundations of collaboration.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Simply explained wisdom from a master.

Thank you Ben!

http://www.collaborativejourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/Collaborative-Maxims.pdf

2011...Here we come! Our collaborative journey has begun!

Best!

Maggie

Intuition: A Guest Blog by Joe Zamal

2010-12-19T12:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays...Happy Holy Days...

Our Guest Blog by Joe Zamal

What About Intuition?

I’ve always been a logical person – my decisions have always been based on a painstaking analysis of facts and figures…but lately I’ve been asking

What about intuition?

"Leaders trust their guts. "Intuition" is one of those good words that has gotten a bad rap. For some reason, intuition has become a "soft" notion. Garbage! Intuition is the new physics. It's an Einsteinian, seven-sense, practical way to make tough decisions. Bottom line, circa 2001 to 2010: The crazier the times are, the more important it is for leaders to develop and to trust their intuition."

- Tom Peters, Management consultant and best selling author

Have you had a bad experience from ignoring your gut feelings?

I know I have!

So maybe intuition means more than I thought…

I’m GREEN & BLUE

So I am logical, organized, and factual…The only thing I let my “gut feelings” help me decide is what’s for dinner!

HOWEVER:

I’ve decided to take a risk – to challenge MY OWN status quo!

To challenge MY internal conversation when making a decision!

I’ve decided to listen to my gut and let intuition play a role in my personal decision making!

Facts and figures will always be important to me when making decisions, but perhaps my intuition is smarter than I thought…

Masaru Ibuka Founder and chairman of Japan's Sony Corp. was asked in an interview, "What is the secret of your success?"

He said he had a ritual. Preceding a business decision, he would drink herbal tea. Before he drank, he asked himself, "Should I make this deal or not?" If the tea gave him indigestion, he wouldn't make the deal. "I trust my gut, and I know how it works," he said. "My mind is not that smart, but my body is."

Intuition and gut feelings are what EMPOWER & INSPIRE leaders!

When we think intuitively we become more passionate about the decisions we to make; and, it is that passion that drives us to INSPIRE, CHALLENGE and CHANGE!

We cannot LEAD that what we do not BELIEVE!

Thanks for reading,

Joe
********************************************************

For January 2011:

What are the myths about poverty in Canada?

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural.

It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings."

-- Nelson Mandela

Slideshow here:

http://tamarackcommunity.ca/downloads/learning_centre/Debunking_Myths_About_Poverty.pdf

The Power of Story

2010-12-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010

Story: Where Possibility Resides

"Be so good they can't ignore you." - Jerry Dunn

Storytelling is one of leadership's best kept secrets.

Peter Block says:

"Storytelling plays a noble and historic role in our lives and in society.
Stories can give us a narrative to guide and instruct us.
They are crucial to knowing who we are. They provide a sense of identity.
Some stories, however, become the limitation to creating anything new.
We need to distinguish between the stories that give meaning to our lives and
help us find our voice,
and those that limit our possibility.

The stories that are useful and fulfilling are the ones tha are metaphors, signposts, parables and inspiration for the fullest expression of our humanity.
They are communal teaching stories."

Stories are not "right" or "wrong".
They are not fact - each of us has our own interpretation
because we tell the story through our own lens.

In "Systems Thinking", story telling becomes one of the factors in understanding problems, issues and potential solutions.
Each of the "characters" talks about what is happening from "the place in which they (uniquely) stand". The story unfolds as assumptions emerge, and hypotheses are disclosed.
These theories are logically consistent - but not linear.
When combined, they are a series of thoughts from many vantage points and recurring patterns. They are the foundations of possibility.

This story-telling process is also known as "model building",
a powerful learning tool - especially for teams.

As Peter Senge says:
At the heart of the art of (...systems thinking)
storytelling is one question:

How did we (through our internal thinking, our processes, our practices and our procedures) contribute to or create the circumstances (good or bad) that we face now?

Leaders:
Listen for the stories.
Talk story.
Ask questions to understand the thoughts, assumptions, mental models and systems at play in the circumstance.
Do not just solve the problem...

Hmmmmm....

See you Thursday afternoon!
Maggie

Storytelling Part 3: Spartacus @ LTB

2010-12-06T10:48:00.020-05:00

LEADERSHIP THUNDER BAY GUEST BLOG

THE SPARTACUS REVOLT

Background

Maggie was kind enough a short while ago to invite Joe and I to be Guest Bloggers for XOWhat (not to worry everyone will get their chance!) The topic for the Blog would be leadership. Topics could range from our thoughts on the LTB experience so far, a book review, a bio of a leader you admire, a funny story or expand on a quote or two.

How Spartacus Turned Up Here

After thinking long and hard about the subject of my Blog, I finally decided on the bio of a leader that I admire, and that leader would have to be Spartacus. He led a 3 year revolt of gladiators and slaves against the tyranny of the Roman Empire in 70BC.

I learned about Spartacus and his revolt from my mother Wilda. She is a remarkable woman who is now 81 years old, an Aboriginal woman, a Residential School survivor, and who as a young woman, refused to take the advice of my grandfather and paid her own way through nursing school at Cook County Hospital. This facility is located in one of the most poverty ridden sections of Chicago, Illinois. She still has great memories of the people there, and her experiences only made her more passionate when it came for her to be involved in her ‘causes’ (as she would call them).

My mother loves the epic movies made in the ‘40’s, ‘50’s, and ‘60’s.

Her favourite of all of them is Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas.

In our family, all of the members -

with the exception of my mother and I -

are left brain thinkers (I didn’t realize this until LTB) .

I think this is the reason that the two of us would watch the movie numerous times together from the time I was very young to the present.

Although the movie is 3 hours long we are riveted to the screen.

We are horrified at the treatment of the slaves, and

the inhumanity of the Roman Empire.

We cheer when Spartacus and the slave gladiators start their revolt and escape from the gladiator school, gather an army and fight the Roman Empire in their bid for freedom, and then together we are heartbroken when the revolt is crushed by the Roman Empire and Spartacus and his followers are executed by crucifixion and are lined up along the road leading to Rome so that surviving slaves and any citizen of Rome would see the fate of those willing to oppose the might of the Roman Empire.

As I grew older my mother would explain to me how important it was to be passionate about causes - how many important ideas and beliefs spring from the vision of one person -

and how that vision could evolve into a movement that could either make an impact,

on a small scale (our community) or a large one (the world).

She always said that Spartacus was a good example of this.

She pointed out that the Romans believed that by putting Spartacus and his followers to death they were killing their dream of freedom.

She told me that that decision by the Roman Empire only ensured that Spartacus’ dream of freedom would survive for a lot longer than the Roman Empire would.

The Spartacus Revolt and the movie Spartacus itself is

a subject of controversy amongst historians themselves.

They all agree that the revolt is a real historical event, but there is controversy and speculation regarding Spartacus’ motivation for the revolt:

his leadership abilities,

his strategic planning,

and if the revolt actually accomplished the goals that Spartacus was attempting to attain.

I believe that if Spartacus did not have the leadership abilities that some say he possessed that his revolt would have been a failure from the start.

It is said that at the height of Spartacus’ revolt his followers numbered at least 125,000

To successfully lead a group or organization of that size you have to be some kind of leader!

Believe it or not, the lessons that we are learning at LTB

are actually portrayed in the movie Spartacus:

Leadership and Vision,

The Tenacity To Follow Through On What Others Consider To Be Impossible Goals, Leadership Through Example,

The Follower As Leader,

The First Follower,

Leadership That Inspires Other Leaders and

The Enduring Legacy Of Great Leaders And Their Messages.

How Spartacus Helped Me On The Job

In conclusion I would like to share a story which I think really made me think about the impact that my mother and her “Spartacus School of Leadership and Values” had on me.

I was at work last summer, (if someone new to the Blog doesn’t know it I’m a Constable and Acting Sergeant with the Thunder Bay Police Service), and I had a call for service.

A local businessman was harassing another man over the fact that this man had a past addiction that he was successfully dealing with in treatment.

The man’s employer knew about his addiction and was fully supportive of his efforts,

but the harassing businessman was contacting the man’s employer as he felt it was something that the employer needed to know. For an unknown reason, he wasn’t going to stop the harassment because he felt duty bound to “do the right thing”.

When I contacted the harassing business man he informed me that as far as he was concerned I was a “small man with a small badge”

and that I had no idea who I was dealing with.

I made arrangements for the harassing business man to attend the station and resolve the situation by meeting with the man’s employer and then caution him regarding further harassing behaviour towards the man and his employer.

While we were alone, prior to the meeting, the harassing business man apologized to me saying that he didn’t mean what he had said earlier.

I told the harassing business man that as far as I was concerned, that

"I am proud to be a small man and

that my small badge protects small people from people like him."

After the successful conclusion of this matter I thought about what had happened and thanked my mother and father (yes they both have to take credit for the child they created!) and gave a silent thanks to Spartacus too!

- John Walmark, Class of 2010 - 2011

***

Introducing the NEW LTB Logo

FYI: I'm in Montreal at the moment, attending the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers' Convention.

Best!

Maggie

Storytelling Part 2 & Guest Blog by Evelyn Tuomi

2010-11-29T06:05:00.027-05:00

The Fire Within... The Base of Your Story

When you listen to a great story, and get caught up in it, have you noticed that your mind turns that information into a movie? You automatically add your own interpretations to what your hear. The characters begin to live for you. As their personalities connect with yours, you find things in common, other things to question. How does that happen?

You can present the facts, AND you can spark imagination
through a series of emotional links.

Emotions fire up in...the right brain!

Imagination is right brain...
Facts are left brain...
Stories are born in the right brain...

Add your left brain: Facts and sequence.

Sequence your "facts" with an authentic emotionally-based "feeling" story.
Result?
You've reached everyone's thinking style at some point.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy's life story (right brain) held his whole presentation of 12 leadership tips (left brain list) together, didn't it?

How's that for a HINT for your CAP presentations in December? Also, see note at end of the blog.

More Tips About Story Telling (U Tube version)

You can also tell your story from a personal base, which aims at developing a relationship with you. (Again, connecting personally to people - is a right brain function...)

Take 3 minutes to see an example of an "invitational story" that is based on one person's viewpoint, and then supported by other like-minded colleagues.

Click to this short video by Tonya Surman about "Social Innovation" here:

http://www.ysec.org/2010/11/04/tonya-surman-be-a-part-of-the-solution/

Guest Blog

"What you see depends on what you are looking for."

- Unknown Source

I was a little overwhelmed and anxious at the beginning of this leadership journey. I wasn't sure that I had what was needed to be a successful leader; in fact, I didn’t see myself in that role.

So what happened?

First, I’m On Goal!

I am impressed by how all the different topics and exercises have all tied together for me.

Listening and reflecting have always been very important, but now, it’s different. On our weekend retreat I asked Maggie for some guidance while setting my goal and plan. For years I have been assisting clients to develop theirs, but for some reason I was expecting our exercise in goal setting to be more complicated - more difficult than it needed to be. I have explained to others so many times that having plans on paper rather than floating around in their head makes them so much more attainable. It has surprised me how much easier it is to stay focused on what you want to achieve. The twenty-one day challenge has not only helped me to stay more positive but it too has helped me to stay focused on my goal.

ReDiscovery: Let Me Read!

There hasn’t been enough time for reading recently. Reading "Good to Great" was not only a great book to understand success in a different way, but I found it enjoyable as well. It left me wondering if I was missing out on something not reading the other books on the reading list.

Having the "right people on the team" helped me to look at how frustrating and draining it can be to have the wrong people on the team. I had never considered that maybe those wrong people were just in the wrong position.

So, Let Me Think!

From there I considered the "Whole Brain Concept" which has helped me to look for the reason why someone might look at a situation differently than me. And that brings me to:

We Are A Team Already!

The most amazing part of this journey has been watching all of us begin to come together as a team, and grow and conquer some of our fears together. Being in such a positive environment, can make an enormous difference.

I remember hearing the first day "Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable". Yes, I was uncomfortable, and afraid - later I found out that most everyone else was too! It made me consider that some of the greatest days of my life have also been my most anxious moments. It is normal to feel anxious; most of us feel nervous about change even positive change. How could I forget! The day I married my husband I couldn't stop shaking.

I look forward to learning more and trying to tie all the information together as we continue this journey. LTB has helped me to look at the world and myself a little differently.

It is exciting to think how my life might be by June. It's happening already.

" Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Evelyn Tuomi, Class of 2010-2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How To Tell A Story

Each person in the class will have the opportunity to be a XOWhat Guest Blogger.
We thought it might be fun to chat about whatever you like,
as long as the theme is "leadership".
I also offer to edit your work, if you so choose.
Evelyn gave me permission, so here's how I proceeded to make her story "sing".

I added "B" Quadrant - left brain Format -
in my edits to strengthen her writing.

1. Chunks of story

Highlight key themes with a sub-heading.

Guess what? People don't read on line, they scan... so make scanning more enjoyable.

2. Ask a Question, & then answer it

This involves the reader. This technique also works in presentations - if you pause long enough for people to answer the question "in their mind".

3. Use Quotes that are Relevant

Evelyn originally ended with 2 quotes.

I moved one to be the header/ subject line,

and used the other at the end to punch out her point.

4. Tie the Beginning to the End

This very easy technique makes your story more logical. I inserted "So what happened" into Evelyn's story at the beginning, and finished with "It's happening already".

Think about saying "hello" and also saying "good-bye".

5. Don't Write - Talk to Us

If you try to write, you end up sounding stifled - long sentences, proper grammar. I shortened some of Evelyn's prose and didn't lose the meaning. Emotion always works!

PS Look for "chunks" of Evelyn's story in next year's marketing for LTB. We loved it!

Thanks!

* Send Evelyn a comment! Everyone loves feedback... just click on "comments" on http://www.xowhat.blogspot.co/,

* * *
Important Note for CAP Presentations:

Your team presentations will be held in the McNaughton room at City Hall. It's not a space that works well for Power Point. Advice? Forget the technology.

* * *
As always, if you need help, just ask.
Have a wonderful week,
Maggie

Story Telling for Leaders

2010-11-22T07:30:00.004-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010

Have you ever heard the story about...

What do you remember about Grand Chief Stan Beardy's story at the Leadership Learning Day on November 18, 2010?

How did he bridge his message with what you, as a leader were interested in hearing? How did he engage you for over an hour? Did he create rapport and trust?

What really stood out about his life, his leadership journey, his values & goals & vision? What made you think that this was going to be cool?

You witnessed a grand story teller "on the stage", an authentic representation of a skill which great leaders have mastered.

Let's begin your personal journey across that bridge...to connect to the people you are leading in a way that they imagine themselves with you . (NB Key word is "with" you).

The Right Story at the Right Time told the Right Way

Memorable, authentic stories don't just happen.
They are designed, scripted and rehearsed, over and over again.
They connect to your imagination as the listener (creating a movie in your mind),
your emotional centre and
your intelligence (you are either learning or reinforcing).

Great stories make a point.

Just telling the story is not enough.

As Doug Stevenson, originator of the Story Theatre Method says:

(1) Choose the right story (Your story is a tool. Choose the right tool for the right job.)
(2) Script the story (Create logical steps)
(3) Perform the story (Don't just tell it)

Take 10 minutes to view Doug in action here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzkGKHiLNOw&feature=BF&list=UL7Hs4BiN7E9I&index=3

**********
Grand Chief Stan Beardy's Story

Grand Chief Stan Beardy, using story as his method to engage the group and outline his 12 leadership lessons, made quite the impact. He told the story so that we too would experience what he had experienced.

He began his presentation by framing his personal context:
his leadership rests on two pillars:
his relationship with the creator, and his relationship with the land.

His 12 Point Leadership Message - threaded through his life story - was:

· Your thoughts have the power to create (positive thinking = positive lives)

· Believe in yourself

· Your words have the power to create (beware negative self talk)

· Have a vision of where you want to take the people you are leading

· Change comes from your own desire to change, it’s your responsibility to change what you don’t like

· Communicate clearly, concisely, precisely (follow the Reader’s Digest version)

· Know how to persuade people

· Your appearance matters

· Your public attitude should match your private attitude (always a leader)

· Help feel that they are important - listen, relate, care

· Believe in something greater than yourself

· Everyone has problems - residential schools, taking the child out of the child -
Deal with your personal crises

More on the "How To of Storytelling"...next week!
Best!
Maggie

Changing Conversations from Issues to Possibilities

2010-11-15T10:13:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010
Metamorphosis continues though seasons change...

Have you ever heard the term "Iconoclast"?

It was new to me, too, until I heard a CBC radio interview with Gregory Berns,

author of the book, "Iconoclast. I was hooked. Let me explain why I had to learn more.

An "Iconoclast" is a successful innovator who overcomes most mental barriers

that stop many of us cold.

The brain has 3 natural roadblocks that stand in the way of truly innovative thinking:

flawed perception
fear of failure
the inability to persuade others

The question is, how do we - with these "typical roadblocks" - learn how to open up the channels of our perceptions, fears and skills of persuasion?

The answer comes from organizational strategist, Peter Block.

He says, start by changing the conversation.

(This month's Leadership Learning Day will feature speakers/performers who have learned to change their conversations... and their success proves the case in point.)

Peter Block says:

“If you want to change the world - or the culture - all you have to do is change the conversation. In the beginning was the word -- that was how the Bible started. Asking the question of what is true wealth invites people to have a conversation they may never have had before. That itself is a measure of wealth! The value of our coming together can be measured by whether or not we are able to have a conversation we have not had before. A conversation is an action." -

Let's look at 2 conversations:

the first maintains the "status quo"

and the second promotes innovation and inclusion

(2 of the phases of iconclastic thinking).

Conversation "A"

What happens when we "Solve the Problem"?

The community is defined by its history and its issues

We solve problems identified by others

The goals, plans, measures and consequences are set by others

Cost and efficiency dominate (we can't afford to do "this" and this is why...)

We seek answers and a defined destination

Members express dissent as a stance in reaction to others, a demand for how they should change, and the beginning of negotiation based on past examples

Prefer safety and security, choose a predictable future

Negotiation, force or control of resources creates a better future.

Conversation "B"

“What happens when Possibilities are explored?”

The community is defined by its connectedness and its possibility

We define and solve problems ourselves
The goals, plans, measures and consequences are set by us (and teams work within that flexible boundary)
Purpose and relatedness dominate (silos are replaced by connectedness)
We trust questions and an emergent path (appreciative enquiry looks for the best in people and their work)
Members may express dissent as a personal stance, a choice that defines us. This kind of dissent is the beginning of a conversation ("Tell me more about what you are thinking")
Prefer adventure, choose freedom, positive anxiety, and comfortable with vague future (when the leader role models, others follow the pattern)
Relatedness, accountability and diverse engagement create a better future.

Conversation B creates a context that nurtures an alternative future, one based on inclusiveness and hospitality.

This context helps to initiate conversations that shift our experience - through the way we bring people together and the nature of the questions we use to engage them.

Innovation happens because people

(who know how to change the conversation)

go ahead

and do

what others say cannot be done.

As leaders... "respect" for others emerges in our conversations when

we focus on the gifts, talents and strengths of others around us.

See you Thursday!

Maggie

Remember Past & Present

2010-11-08T09:09:00.002-05:00

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010

My Mom wore army boots...and so did my Grandma!

The women in my family weren't war heroines by any stretch of the imagination. They served in the Finnish army and had the medals to prove it. My mother and her mother were stationed close to the enemy lines, fighting the below zero temperatures and harsh conditions of a northern winter. Their weapons of choice were a kitchen knife, a wooden spoon or two and a big black kettle. They wondered if they would ever eat anything other than pea or potato soup once the war was over.

As a child, I heard the stories over and over again, and one in particular stuck with me. Now and again, when something catastrophic happens in my life, I compare my misery to that of my ancestors who fled from their homes in the dead of winter, every important belonging in a canvas knap sack, wearing heavy woollen clothing...listening for wolves or guns (which would kill them? the hungry animals or the enemy's bullets?) under the light of a full moon...never to return to their Karelian homeland again. Doors left unlocked. Cupboards ransacked.

Whatever is happening in my life is miniscule compared to what my parents survived.

These are grand stories of hope, survival, courage...live or die... here are the role models for appreciating our freedom and pride in the troops who keep us safe, who put their lives on the line in the air, on the ground or across the sea... while our days roll by in our own peace and war...oblivious?....How often do we stop to say "thank you"...silence...respect...1 minute of every 11/11?.

YOU can do more!

What would it take to put ourselves in combat boots for a few extra moments? How can you take the lead to honor the present?

The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge. Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service by sending a message using this monitored message board.

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/Messageboard/index_e.asp

I
Involve your family: send gifts and letters...

Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops. Christmas Mailing Guidelines: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 19 November 2010.

PO BOX 5210 STN FORCES BELLEVILLE ON K8N 5W6

Christmas Shopping? Support Our Troops Merchandise here:

https://www3.cfpsa.com/wyn2/en/sot/shoplist.aspx

Remember the past on November 11.
Salute the present... share the stories... make the "memory" in "remembrance".

Take 11 minutes on 11/11...
"peace begins with me".

Issues? Possibilities? It's In Our Language

2010-11-01T11:50:00.038-04:00

"Change is created one conversation at a time.

Social fabric is created one room at a time, the one we are in at the moment."

- Peter Block

How many times have you tolerated conversations that left you unmotivated, depleted of energy and wondering why you're wasting your time?

Personally, I've had it!
How about some more straight talk? ...
Listening to stories, diverse opinions, examples and ideas.
Then taking the best of the best.

Do something - not disguised in rhetoric &
("cya"" - ask me for the definition if you don't know)

What happens when we change the conversation?

We respect diversity
We begin to talk about possibilities instead of continuing to debate the issues
We honor the gifts and strengths that each of us brings to the table
We laugh together - humour is essential in change leadership

Transformation occurs simply through language. Words. Questions. Gestures.

Conversations (and organizations) move in the direction of the questions they ask!

Example # 1: "How do we discriminate?"

We say things to each other without realizing that our beliefs and values differ so much from whoever might be listening to our coffee shop conversations.
When our use of the language is so "normal" we often don't realize how we use words to discriminate - race, colour, sexism, ageism, obesity...

Let's take a look at the Under-Belly of "White Privilege"

"I think whites are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege,
as males are taught not to recognize male privilege. So I have begun in an untutored way to ask what it is like to have white privilege.

I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day,
but about which I was ‘meant’ to remain oblivious n each day.

White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools and blank checks."

Source: Peggy McIntosh is Associate Director of the Wellesley College Center for Research for Women. This essay is excerpted from her working paper. “White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of Coming to See Correspondences Through Work in Women’s Studies.”

Do we have your attention yet?
PRINT these 4 pages from the full text.
DOWNLOAD Here:

http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf

Example # 2: Young aboriginal woman who has changed the conversation in Thunder Bay using music as her platform.

Have you heard about ShyAnne Hovorka yet?
Here's her view about how to change the world
- using her strengths
to present the gifts of change.
Straight talk.
Huge influence.
Admirable leadership in community action.

http://netnewsledger.com/?p=3634

Example # 3: Comedian Jon Stewart's Rally for Sanity in U.S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXmbzLI3pnk&feature=share

November 18 Learning Day....

"Diversity: Key Leadership Skill = Respect"

As a leader, you have the authority and responsibility to change conversations in all of your relationships.

Listen for words that disguise forward motion (cut the bs) and create chaos and confusion
Listen for issue centred talk - that ignores possibility
Listen for questions that point to opportunities
Listen for white privilege, male privilege, North American bias

Take notes...

"It all starts with uncertainty...not be resolved until we can listen to people's experience of things like racism and sexism-just listening without trying to defend ourselves...."
- Margaret Wheatley

Yours in Leadership,

Maggie

What About Those 7 Habits?

2010-10-25T12:18:00.001-04:00

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves;

otherwise we harden."

Leader Chat:
7 Habits in 2 Ways

Stephen Covey's book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"

has been around for a long time.

Yet it is timeless.

Here are 2 fast options for you to catch up on the 7 concepts!

If you prefer to read a summary go here:

http://www.quickmba.com/mgmt/7hab/

If you’d rather see a 6 minute video clip with metaphors, go here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLXsiIXdLR0 (6 minutes)

In case you're interested.... unofficial Habit # 8

Let me share another great habit - secret of success - from my old Greek mentor.

Take Notes.

Lots of notes.

Keep them in 1 place - in a journal or one file on line.

My method is simple. I’m still handwriting in a paper 5x7 spiral bound notebook.

On the left hand side of the journal, all the great ideas, quotes, contacts, doodles, thoughts…

On the right side, notes about meetings, names, phone numbers, content of the discussion (in person, on the phone), how to and what to do lists.

Follow-ups and timelines.

I can trace back to the dinosaur age and connect you right now to a conversation that I had with your grandfather (lol) and, remember the details.

Do you have helpful habits that you can pass along to us? Send in a comment, by clicking on the link at the end of this message.

Following Up

More on Suicide Awareness at http://leftbehindbysuicide.org/ Meet Scott Chisholm, Author and Photographer. Click on the blog for stories about events across the country.
I'm connecting with my colleagues to find a Covey practioner. There may be an opportunity for our Alumni to host an event... more on this later!
Banana Mail! Thanks again for supporting the "Adopt An Athlete" Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games 2011 Program. On our next LTB Learning Day, 18th November, I will be collecting a $25 dollar donation from each of you and then we'll challenge the LTB Alumni to "Adopt An Athlete" also. On behalf of myself, the Thunder Bay Police Service, all the other participating Police Services of Ontario, the Special Olympic Athletes and their loved ones I wish to thank you for your support and participation in this great event! - John
Enjoy your CAP "families" and your "nose" partners. Keep those goals afloat!
You have the contact information for all of the CAP Host presenters. Let them know how much you enjoyed their presentations.

"The best of all leaders — a tiny fraction —

have the capacity to embrace their own opposites,

most notably vulnerability alongside strength, and confidence balanced by humility."

Best,
Maggie

Thunder Bay's Election 2010: Leaders Ask!

2010-10-15T10:15:00.006-04:00

"Always try to keep a patch of sky above your life." - Marcel Proust

Leadership Thunder Bay 's Candidate Questionnaire

This questionnaire was developed by the LTB class of 2010 - 2011,

as part of their Retreat experience.

The exercise was designed and facilitated by Lead Facilitator, Maggie Chicoine.

The class was divided into 4 "whole brain" small groups*, each with an election focus:

(1) Mayor (2) At Large (3) Ward (4) Education.

Each group was asked to use "Appreciative Inquiry"

to develop 5 questions for their category.

These questions were then circulated to each of the other small groups

for comment, editing and recommendations for top 2 priority.

Questions were then honed to the top 2 in each category by each small group.

From these, the final candidate questions were selected,

and ratified by the Board of Directors of Leadership Thunder Bay.

The responses from candidates are posted below, in alphabetical order, and

as received via email by Patricia Forrest at LTB Management Services.

Candidates who did not submit a response are indicated by N/A beside their name.

This questionnaire is being circulated via email to the current class, 150 Alumni, and the Board of Directors of Leadership Thunder Bay.

It is also posted on the unofficial blog at http://www.xowhat.blogspot.com/.

* Please feel free to circulate to your contacts.

VOTE

Thanks to all Candidates for your willingness to serve our community.

Election Thunder Bay 2010

Leadership Thunder Bay Questionnaire Responses

All Candidates:

1. What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

Mayor (1 to be elected)

What strategies will you use to ensure an accountable and cohesive City Council?

BURRIDGE, COLIN

Thank You for asking to hear my views and values.

My thoughts on how to keep young talent here and employed. Simple really Why are they leaving now??? Nothing to do and no good jobs. They want to go where things are happening and fun. Example Concerts have to go to Winnipeg, Toronto, and or Minneapolis to see what they want to see. Theatres WHY do we not have an IMAX theatre here, all new movies are made for that now, been leading up to this for the last 10 years. Location is the main factor in any venture. Here are some ideas thrown out for thought Rollerskating, Amusement Park, Convention Centre, Go-Karts, Waterparks, Paintball, Movies and plenty more. Yes some of these ideas have been tried but again location is the factor. Tourism would increase with any of these if not all. This city is 20 years behind the 8-ball in the the Tourism Industry and that is and always will be our gold mine.

This is the easy one Listen to the people who voted you in, No closed door sessions that affect all. Involve the citizens in the big projects fully not piece meal and be Honest. If I make a mistake I own up to it, I don't pass the buck. If I don't have the answer to a question asked of me then I will find out the answer and ensure you get it ASAP. Common Sense is the best way to ensure an accountable and cohesive City Council. Elected by the People For the People and the people are who have to be satisfied with what is done.

Keeping it short because otherwise I could write a book. My thoughts and ideas are based on growing up here but also from my travels. I was fortunate enough that I did get away and saw things that some never do. I have many many ideas to make Thunder Bay a prime place to live and visit more so than it is now.

Sincerely

Colin Burridge Candidate for Mayor

HOBBS, KEITH

Thank you for the questions.
1. I would like to engage the next generation and start a Youth Council that could give City Council input into the decisions that will impact them in the future. I think that perhaps when we are planning major capital projects like the Waterfront Development and the Windpark that we should speak with the generation that will end up paying the bills. Why should we not tap into the thoughts and desires of the new generation?

Thunder Bay needs to bring new jobs and industry to our city. The Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) has to be enhanced, property taxes have to be competitive, and incentives have to be given to new business to not only attract them but keep them sustainable. We need to offer well paid jobs to our young people so that we can stop the exodus of our youth.

2. I would like to start a Central Registry for all complaints or concerns that Thunder Bay citizens have and assign them to councilors with diary dates. Much like when I was in charge of the detective unit at TBPolice I gave the detectives under my command specific dates to finish assignments or at the very least report any and all progress on a case. I have heard too many complaints from citizens as I go door to door, that councilors do not return calls or their concerns fall on deaf ears. My leadership skills as a Hostage Situation Commander, Watch Commander in Uniform Patrol, Unit Commander in the Intelligence Unit, and Unit Commander of the Criminal Investigation Unit have given me the necessary skill-sets to take charge of any situation and direct people to a common goal. I am more than adequately trained in dispute resolution and have mediation and arbitration experience second to none. These skills will be a huge asset in directing Councilors and Administration to achieve our collective goals.

I will question councilors on items of interest and resolutions etc. prior to city council meetings to ensure that all are prepared for meetings. Too often it is apparent that councilors haven't read their information packages before meetings.

Before resolutions are put forward I will ensure that all the necessary preparatory work is completed and the issue is researched properly. The Windfarm on the Norwesters in my humble opinion is a prime example of not researching a major project prior to the commencement of same.

I will have frequent meetings with City Administration and Council to make sure we are on the same page and I am going to institute monthly meetings with unions and city management where both parties can communicate concerns and develop strategies to move Thunder Bay forward.

I am going to walk-about Thunder Bay one day a week and keep in touch with the citizens of this community and I am going to encourage councilors to do the same. I will work six days a week to make up for the day spent on this initiative. I will ask for reports on findings from councilors as a result of this initiative.

With the input of Administration, Councilors, Management, Unions and the Public, I would like to see a long range strategic plan, coupled with a long range urban plan that extends far beyond our four year mandate. Working together we will instill a cohesive and cooperative attitude at city hall and have inclusion for all.

I hope that I have answered your questions satisfactorily.
Regards,

Keith Hobbs

Mayoral Candidate

IRWIN, JEFF - n/a

KWASNY, BRIAN - n/a

PETERSON, LYNN

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young

talent in our community?

You have used two key and closely related words in your question: retaining our youth depends very much on engaging them in all aspects of life – work, recreation, opportunity, community. Nurturing a growing and diversifying economy that creates jobs – good, challenging, rewarding jobs – in a variety of sectors is key to achieving this goal. We already have two excellent post-secondary institutions in Thunder Bay that offer a broad range of programs leading to qualifications for our talented young people. We are also working with significant success to grow and diversify our economy, particularly in the knowledge sectors of medical and bioforestry research, information technology, film and animation. Along with growing the economy, we want to continue to enhance the quality of life in our community, through a vibrant cultural scene and a range of amenities and activities that make this a place people of all ages will want to choose for their home. And I would encourage all our citizens, particularly our youth, to become engaged in one or more of the many local organizations that rely on volunteers.

I would just like to add that there is nothing wrong with young people seeking opportunities in the wider world. But I always want them to have more and better options here at home as well, and the option to return here as they pursue their career and family aspirations .

2. What strategies will you use to ensure an accountable and

cohesive City Council?

It is important for the mayor to recognize that she or he has only one vote of thirteen on council, so in that sense the mayor has no more actual power than any other member of council. It is through the wise use of highly developed leadership skills and consensus building that the mayor can have the greatest impact on the council and the community. I take great satisfaction in having led this council to agreement on our first ever strategic plan, with long term goals and timelines. We have had remarkable success in achieving those goals – witness the growth of our economy, the new industries that are choosing to locate here, the existing industries that are expanding into new markets, the renewal of our infrastructure, the transformation of waste into useful energy at the new waste management and recycling centre, our state of the art water and sewer treatment facilities, and so on. We are excited by the successes of Confederation College and Lakehead University in adding new programs, including the faculty of medicine that so perfectly complements our new hospital.

It is through consensus building, strategic planning, and information-based sound decision making that we are able to achieve this progress, and that success in itself helps build a cohesive council. All of us, of course, are directly accountable to the people who elect us - you the citizens of Thunder Bay.

PULLIA, FRANK

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

Answer: There are many but the most important one is one of inclusion and communication. Communication is a two way street, and while I have my own ideas on how to move Thunder Bay forward and create opportunities for all, I believe that we also need to listen to our youth. They have specific needs and desires, as well as their own expectations about the future.

As Mayor I would coordinate the various youth organizations into a more dynamic and engaged group by involving them in specific projects dear to them, while providing the resources and support mechanisms to allow them to accomplish their goals. These projects would vary from beautification to environmental sustainability, to entrepreneurship, to making Thunder Bay a "Smart City" to mention a few. The future really belongs to our youth and allowing them to play a leadership role in creating that future will go a long way in fully engaging and retaining them.

2. What strategies will you use to ensure an accountable and cohesive City Council?
Accountability means being responsible for the achievement of goals and objectives established before and during a term of Council. As a mayoral candidate I have a vision to make Thunder Bay the most livable city in Canada within 10 years. This vision includes having one of the lowest crime rates in the country and increasing our population by 15,000 in ten years.

The introduction of a compelling vision with clear goals and objectives that would resonate with Council and our community, would ensure that all subsequent city policies, and practices would be aligned to these overall goals. Such a vision would be easy to understand, remember and put into practice. It would also be measurable, realistic and achievable.

As mayor, I would bring a grass-root style of leadership that would ensure consultation and participation from citizens on key projects that affect our community. Having our community participate fully in the creation of its own future would make for a better and more cohesive City Council, as it would create a true participatory democratic process and partnership with the community..

Thank you.

______________________________________________________

Councillors At Large (5 to be elected)

List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay.
How will you deal with these issues?

ANGUS, IAIN

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?
The City’s work on creating a new medical innovation cluster in Thunder Bay will create employment and lifestyle options for our University and College graduates for years to come. The same can be said of our enhancement of employment opportunities through the Thunder Bay Metal Fabrication Association which brings work to Thunder Bay instead of attracting our workforce west. Our effort to develop Thunder Bay as a mining service centre will expand the opportunities for graduates to work and settle in Thunder Bay. I will continue to support this type of leadership in our community.

The question of engagement is more of a challenge. First of all, there is an assumption that our youth are interested in being ‘engaged’. The reality is they, like most people, are focused on their career and family of the moment – be it their education, their first full time job, raising a family and paying a mortgage. There has to be a reason for them to be engaged. One tool that the City can use is the bi-annual Citizens survey by redesigning it to ‘drill down’ beyond which projects or programs young people are supporting to determine what kind of community they want Thunder Bay to be and what their role in it should be.

2. List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

1. Continue to actively recruit new business opportunities while supporting and growing the existing ones. (See paragraph 1 above)

2. Work towards more solutions to ongoing social issues through the creation of the citizen led crime prevention council.

3. Work towards a more inclusive community through our Aboriginal Liaison position and ensuring that the position has the resources to implement change

BOSHCOFF, KEN

1. Some dynamic new strategies are already under way and I commend the current talent pool of young people for driving some of these new initiatives.

I am personally inspired to see young people making superb cases for why Thunder Bay is a great place to live, work, create, and realize one's potential.

As a Member of Council I would inform my colleagues of the energy in our film/video industry using Westfort as only one example as there are many more in our community.

I would point out the Young Professionals Network as an example of young people infusing new ideas into our City and learning from each other.

The "I Heart Thunder Bay" movement is growing daily and I endorse young people making things happen.

My strategy thus is to take these ideas and help make them stronger so we can convince the entire City how fortunate we are to live here.

2. Priority Issues

i) Seizing the opportunities presenting themselves to us in mining, in medical and scientific research, in the return of the forest industry, in manufacturing at Bombardier to ensure the core concerns of worthy employment and tax minimization are addressed hand-in-hand.

ii) As we speak there is a huge wave of retirements occurring in numerous sectors-this will not provide new professional positions but opportunities for promotion and advancement. Our society needs to accelerate its succession plans and I would bring that to the table.

iii) People have been very disenchanted and disengaged with Council secrecy and lack of response to valid questioning. I will be very strong in restoring access to our elected representatives and ensuring that people are listened to and respectfully answered.

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Boshcoff

Founding Mayor of Leadership Thunder Bay

CROWE, CINDY
Good day!
I apologize for the late response. I hope you can appreciate how hectic our schedules have been.
1. What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?
- voice for the youth (utilizing youth city council - already being developed through youthscape)
- promote anit-racism in schools; public sector and at city council level
- entrepreneurship training at the high school level so that the youth have a business sense
2. List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

- jobs - invite the Ring of Fire communities (Matawa) to do business with the region of Thunder Bay to ensure that the youth have jobs!

- combat poverty and social issues - in order to educate and provide a skill set to disadvantaged citizens, encourage the city to sponsor capacity building activities; sponsor recreational activities for youth; care for our Seniors
- promote inclusion and partnerships - work together as a whole community; foster wholistic balance at city council level; bring an Aboriginal voice to the table
Further, I believe in speaking to the people and following their direction not arbitrarily making a decision that we think is a good idea! My stand will always be to work with the people of Thunder Bay to determine what it is that they want and need, ALL the people of Thunder Bay! As an example, were the citizens of Thunder Bay asked which renewable energy (such as solar power) they wanted to support?
Cindy Crowe Consulting 1306 Victoria Ave East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1C2

Tele: (807) 473-9851 Toll Free: 1-888-852-5856 Cell: (807) 627-5768
Fax: (807) 939-2750 Email: crowe@tbaytel.net
Website: www.cindycroweconsulting.ca

HEBERT, LARRY
will do two things. Engage the youth wiyha youth forum with maybe three one day seminars in a row so we could get a maximum number of students involved.These would be sposored by the private sector and the educational sector and

only for youth. I would have Max Valiquette of Youthography do the sessions

along with a couple of other speakers. The young people would tell us being

the educational, business, labour and government sectors on a 4th day what

they need from us and then we should go out and make it happen given whatever

is in our resources capability. I would also start a School Council ( Shadow

Council) with two reps from each high school -one male and one female who are

not on their school governing councils. They would meet once a month either at

the Shaw Cable studio or at one of the high schools or even in Council

Chambers and have the meeting taped. They would deal with the same items City

Council deals with in public and with all of the appropriate background

material. They would not deal with confidential items until they had been on

the public portion of Council meetings. They in effect would roll 3 or 4 of

our meetings in a month into one. It would be broadcast at different times on

Shaw Cable. It would be interesting to see how differently they may deal with

an issue than Council did.

The three issues are jobs and the economy, crime and safety and the high cost

of government. For the first and third items we have to keep our taxes and

rates in line to attract businesses and keep people in their homes. We have to

encourage more manufacturing and resource industry to come here and open up

shop. Currently the health care and educational sectors are doing well and we

have to ensure that continues and that we attract more professionals. We also

have to work on the "blue collar" jobs as well in manufacturing such as

Bombardier and others and the Resource based industries of forest products,

grain and mining our biggest opportunity. On the second issue we need to get

this new Crime Prevention Committee going get more beds in the detox area

established and keep as many officers on the beat for as much time as we can.

If we attract more industry and jobs, the Crime rate will go down and our cost

of services will go down because it is spread out over a larger base. Thanks.

GRAHAM, GERALD

Thanks for the opportunity to get my message to the alumni of Leadership Thunder Bay.

1. One simple thing that councillors can do is publicly support businesses that young entrepreneurs have started in Thunder Bay. There are a number in the Bay Algoma area and other parts of the city as well. I think it's important that young business owners know they have support from city council and it's important for city councillors to urge others to support these business ventures.

I am sure there a number of talented young graduates of Leadership Thunder Bay that could be role models for others. I'd like to see them used as ambassadors in our community for keeping young people here.

City council and the Community Economic Development Commission need to continue the work of diversifying our economy. Smart jobs in medical research and communications will provide much needed jobs for young graduates. Planning now for the cities role in the Ring of Fire Development will mean more jobs in the future for young residents.

2. Economic development is my first priority. A vigorous local economy means more tax revenue for the city. More tax revenue means more money to renew city infrastructure and deal with social issues like poverty and crime. The city needs to attract more businesses like Superior Propane to set up here.

Working with our aboriginal residents and organizations should also be a priority for the city. I am encouraged by the Aboriginal Liaison

Office set up in Thunder Bay. There are many opportunities for the city and area First Nations to work together.

Enhancing our quality of life and following through with the establishment of the Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Council would be my third priority. We live in a city blessed with a wonderful natural environment. Council must continue it's work of revitalizing our waterfront and developing policies to promote active transportation. I like the holistic approach of crime prevention outlined by the new Crime Prevention Council and would like to see that move forward.

Thank you for this opportunity. Cheers Gerald Graham

JOHNSON, REBECCA

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

First we have to determine that youth want to stay and be employed in our community. The horizon for young people in our world today goes beyond Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. It is not only Thunder Bay that has challenges with retaining youth it is a world challenge. More and more people, not only youth, are moving to urban centres. We have to provide the leading edge jobs that they want and the environment that they are looking for. With this in mind Thunder Bay has created a new information sector with the Regional Hospital, the Research Institute, many IT businesses and the University/College. We have to sell our community and communicate it to the youth. We should be putting more energy into training entrepreneurs at the high school level. More co-op programs are required. Tax breaks on tuition for College and University if the student stays in Northwestern Ontario to work could be initiated. There needs to be more collaboration between high schools, the college and university re the transfer of credits.

Give young people a say in how best to make this happen. At the City, this could mean establishing a Youth Cabinet for instance. I know a few cities (including Toronto www.thetyc.ca) that have fairly successful and long running Youth Cabinets (ages 13 ~25) whose members play an advocacy and lobbying role for young people (i.e. attending City deputations, speaking to committees, meeting with City Councilors). The Council provides young people opportunities for leadership, capacity building and skills development and has had some success in influencing decisions at council and increasing youth voting patterns.

Younger people embrace the new technologies more readily and are more likely to get their information and engage in dialogue through social media like Facebook and Twitter. Engaging through those media would help.

I know a number of “younger” people who are fully engaged in our community supporting causes that they believe in. Specific people need to be targeted on specific issues in order to elevate their level of engagement.

2. List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

Developing a long range strategic plan that includes communication with the community in its development and forges partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Attraction, retention and expansion and economic growth strategies to create jobs for the diverse community. Work with the Chamber of Commerce, the Entrepreneur Centre and other organizations including both Lakehead University and Confederation College to implement the recommendations of the Business Retention and Expansion Report and the Economic Development Commission’s strategic plan.

Dealing with the poverty issues that create other issues such as crime, drug abuse and other social issues. A solution is not easy but with recommendations coming from both the Drug Strategy and the Crime Prevention Council a direction will be provided that needs to be implemented by all community partners.

KHAN, IQBAL n/a

MCMENEMY, MARVIN ROBERT n/a

METZLER, BEATRICE

Prepared and Submitted by Beatrice Metzler, Candidate Councillor at Large

Question #1

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

Response

I believe that Councillors should be more aware of the changing demographics in our community. As the economy shifts from resource based to technology/health services/research based, those whose careers are in the new economy tend to bring different expectations of quality of life, their work, family, values, etc. Our emerging new economy attracts more young professionals than that of our former economy.

Younger working people tend to be more environmentally conscious, value recreational pursuits that different than our previous generation, and for the most part see their careers as only one part of their life as opposed to all-encompassing.

Although the above commentary is deliberately brief, it speaks to the need for our City to engage young people in planning for the future. It’s a vital strategy if we hope to create a community environment that will include servicing their needs as well as the existing maturing population.

By engaging young people in planning for the future, we will help direct our financial resources in a way that creates the quality of life in Thunder Bay that will hopefully retain and also attract young talent. For example, instead of investing in more ice arenas, we would probably want to develop our soccer fields. Another example is to plan for more opportunities to access local food sources, rather than try to attract more fast food outlets. These are simple examples, but they speak to the type of re-thinking that needs to occur.

Question #2

List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

1. A Vigorous Economy Spurs Job Creation One of my three priorities is the economic revival of our City. A vigorous economy propels the way for meaningful job opportunities today and for the next generation. I believe a local economy that embraces manufacturing, specialized small business, high-end technology, and health services is within our reach. Our City needs to get serious about moving forward with progressive actions. The movement should start with a vigorous, accountable City Council. I will work to set achievable, measurable benchmarks for an economic revival blueprint. 2. Lower Taxes Help Build an Affordable Community Residents and business owners share our municipal tax burden, and I believe both taxes are becoming prohibitive. This is especially noticeable as major employers in our area shed jobs. It should be City Council’s goal to help people stay in their own homes, help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and attract new business. To achieve this, we need a taxation framework that is affordable and fair for all.Transparency about our taxation system is also a key issue for me. Whether we pay higher tax bills, or instead pay higher hydro bills and water bills, the money is still coming out of taxpayers’ pockets. I will work toward a fair, affordable, transparent taxation framework. 3. A Safer Community Every resident has the right to walk our streets and feel that they are safe. We should not be prisoners in our own homes because we fear what may be outside our doors. Feeling safe is both what you see and what you don’t see.A safe city includes a whole range of issues. The troubling problems we experience in our City may have roots in early family life or stem from the judicial system, with enforcement somewhere in between. We need to work together on those issues where we have the power and resources to improve safety and reduce crime.I will realistically examine what drives both perception and reality regarding crime and safety in our community.

Once elected to Council, the opportunities to address all 3 priorities will be more readily apparent. At this point, it is not possible to identify resources available, time frames, etc.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Thunder Bay Survey.

Beatrice Metzler, Candidate, Councillor at Larg

MOOREY, HOUSE RICHARD

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?
We have to start with engagement period! There is too much apathy when it comes to municipal affairs in our community and the responsibilty for this falls squarely on the shoulders of those that fill the chairs of council chambers. There is no communication, accountability and very little integrity right now among our municipal leaders. The politicians have shown us what they can do. Its time to let real people take the helm.

I am NOT a politican! I'm a hard working person just like you. I put in 70+ hours a week. I have a family and a life here. I am a man of principle and with a nickname like "HOUSE" you know I have the shoulders to knock down barriers and carry the city forward over the next several terms.

We have to create a municipality that is open and freely communicates. A community where people are regularly informed. A city where people feel engaged and involved. A Thunder Bay that participates and grows together. When people don't feel involved they don't participate, when they don't participate the system breaks down and right now the system is broken.

We need to bring street level politics back to our city. We have to stop obtaining all of the information we use to make decisions from the weekly paperwork issued to council and start getting back to where the ideas are real...in our businesses (big and small) our doctors and nurses, labourers and unions, with our white and blue collar workers our friends and neighbours and families.

By creating this type of community we can build business, expand employment, lower taxes, get a handle on crime and make this a city that has fufilled its potential making it a place where our youth have opportunity and reason to stay and build families of there own.

List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

Communication --

1. Open communication

2. Fight to stop back room deals

3. Work to have departments communicate more smoothly to stop waste

4. Create an environment where open door is the rule and people have access to their council

5. Ensure that all questions are answered quickly and with honesty and integrity (a novel idea!)

6. Keep promises! Remember how many candidates supported the homes for the aged? Remember how many voted to axe them at the first opportunity? What about the promise to remove the hospital tax? It's not right!

Contracts that stick --

1. When we make a deal its done! All contracts and companies dealing with the city will be obligated to fufill their contracts for the price negotiated.

2. Choose the best company for the job (not the cheapest or the company that has friends in the old boys network)

3. By getting accountability and integrity from our contractors we can easily produce results that will allow us to save millions and get more out of every dollar.

Get a handle on crime --

1. We have had a problem that for the last few terms has been ignored and denied. Our citizens deserve more than a last minute rush to put together a "golden" crime committee that was slapped together to be a shining example of what we can accomplish when an election is less than a month away

2. We need to get together with real officers and members of the community to work together to reduce crime

3. More police getting back to neighbourhood and community policing

4. Block parents and neigbourhood watch back on the forefront

5. Help for crimestoppers

Thank You for this opportunity!

OSTBERG, SHARON n/a

PETTIT, SYDNEY n/a

ROBERTS, DARREN n/a

RUBERTO, ALDO

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?
I think we have the right strategy, right now. We are competing with the world when it comes to young talent so in order to retain and engage young people. We have to continue creating a city that invests in itself not only in infrastructure, things like great parks, trees, bike lanes, waterfront development, a multi-purpose facility, dog parks, libraries etc. But also areas of sport,s culture and art. Young people, talented people, and skilled people all want to enjoy their work but also enjoy their life. They want a city that they can be proud of.

We have to continue to promote Thunder Bay as a place where you can not only make money but save time. There is an old saying ,” You can make money anywhere but you can't make time “. We have to let people know that communing to work takes minutes, not hours. Accessing the outdoors minutes, not hours. Attending a show, sports event, it takes minutes to get there and back. This means you have time to coach your kids, watch their ball games,spend precious time doing the things you love to do. In Thunder Bay you can make both money and time...quality time. Proof.....we just recruited 25 new doctors this year so far. These people can live and work anywhere they chose Thunder Bay for good reasons.

Secondly we have to continue to invest in the Economic Development Corporation. They have done a great job of recruiting and expanding business in Thunder Bay .

2. List your top 3 priority issues for Thunder Bay. How will you deal with these issues?

The key issues in the community are jobs, safety and poverty .To solve these issues we have to look at the causes. I may be putting things very simplistically but it all boils down to parenting, good parenting. If parents would raise their children with love, respect and teach them to respect themselves as well as others we would eliminate 90 % of our problems. To get parents to do this we have to educate, train and support them in any way possible so they will be fit to raise their children in a respectful way. Our society already has many programs that provide support services but a lot more has to be strategically invested in order to get greater results. With supportive parenting, proper education, a city that supports programs to help families in need, the children will grow up to be responsible, good citizens. If we don’t address this issue first we will see an increase in poverty ,crime and lack of skilled employees.

SPONCHIA, NORMAN

Thanks for questions.

1. What new strategies would I employ to engage and retain young talent in our community.
The first thing I would like to say is that my experience as president of the Bay And Algoma Business Assoc. and my work with my son at the VillEdge Art gallery on Bay and then on Algoma has brought me very much in touch with a large section of our younger community. One of the things that struck me was that they are already staying more than they were a few years back and young people from other parts of Canada are coming and staying. So with that positive development in mind I would say that the first thing we must do is listen to them . We need to set up forums where young people can express their ideas for the kind of community they want to be engaged in. They have so many great ideas that are very well grounded and well founded. Young people are impressive as far as their ideas about a sustainable economy that takes into consideration , green technology , the environment , the development local produce , community gardens, and locale farmer markets and social justice. They are interested in being part of a new more dynamic economy and community that will allow them to support and engage in the type of future they see as the most intelligent and compassionate way to go. I am all for hearing what they have to say because to engage them is to secure our future and with what i have seen in our young adults i have great hope for our cities future. But they must not be left out of the mix when developing our cities future. We must have forums for them to express their views and we must support many of the wonderful initiatives that they are already engaged in. Now finally we have to find ways to bring good paying jobs to Thunder Bay so that they can stay here and raise their families , but I have much hope that this will happen and will be the kind of jobs that they can support and I also know that they are creating their own jobs.

2. My top 3 priorities, How will I deal with these issues.

I think that the main issues of our city are all linked to each other ,Crime, employment, and poverty. We need to start addressing the social issues of our community. I believe that a safe and secure community is the foundation of a prosperous and vibrant economy. Companies make decisions on where to locate based on a number of factors but one very important one is crime and how it will impact them and their bottom line. One of the ways I have been talking about to help our police service to be more effective in such a difficult situation is to free them up from the time and police budget they use up on dealing with public intoxication. As a member of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Committee I have heard presentations from the police department out lining the statistics around public intoxication. Thunder Bay has 3000 of these types of arrests a your with the next closes community of Timmins at 500 a year. It is over half of all arrests by police in Thunder Bay. It is costing us about a million dollars from the police budget per year. These arrests also only amount to about 150 to 200 people . so the same people are being arrested over and over. One of the helpful solutions that are being used in cities like Calgary is a thing called "Wet Houses". This is a service that helps take the burden off of the police and it also takes the arrested person out of the more expensive system of police station cells. It also gives the arrested person a more appropriate surrounding to try and deal with their problems and their medical and health issues. This is a much less expensive idea that I would support as your councillor at large.

Jobs for our citizens young and old is something we all have to work together on. we cant bring companies here that the community will not except as the kind of companies we want here. Young people are very solid on this point. They will not accept companies that are not willing to be players in a clean technology and sustainable environmental concerns. W e do not need the kind of companies that pay working poor type wages, nor do we need the kind of jobs where we are offered only part time so that there are no benefit required by the company. We have a lot to offer as a city and a life style that can exist here. We must sell that as a strength and not play the , we will take anything game,. We must always negotiate from our strengths when attracting jobs to out city not from a desperate and weak position.

Poverty in our city is huge. I for one will be focusing on this issue. I think we need higher levels of Gov. to start investing in affordable housing for our seniors , our handicapped and our less fortunate. We must find ways to help the children and women in poverty in this city, ways to bring them up to a decent level of living and making sure that our young citizens have access to recreational facilities at reduced or affordable levels. We must find places for the women and children in poverty to live , this a basic human right. I will lobby , fight , and find funding for these issues from our city and higher Gov. sources. I also would like to see the city help and support more youth programs that are being initiated by the community volunteers and heroes amongst us and I will be a voice for them when they come for support from the city. we need our young folks engaged in healthy activities to help prevent them in making poor life decisions , we must invest in preventative programs to keep our vulnerable population away from becoming involved in criminal activity and addictions.Prevention is the key to a better community and it is also so much cheaper and effective in the long run.

I thank you for this opportunity to address you all and I humbly ask for your vote on Oct. 25 so that I may be a voice for a prosperous and more intelligent and compassionate community.

STAAL, NORM

The new strategies I would employ are to create good paying jobs by creating a environment where business can flourish, thus creating jobs to keep young talent in this community. I would accomplish this by elimating red tape which stops businesses to expand and hire new employees. I would vote against any budget that includes a tax increase, I would fiscally responsible with tax payer money.

1. My top three priority issues for Thunder Bay are taxes, jobs and crime.

Taxes: I believe taxes in Thunder Bay are to high. I will vote against any budget that includes a tax increase. We can save the city money by managing large capital projects properly, example of this is constant use of consultants from southern ontario who aren't familiar with Thunder Bay. I would also try to streamline administration.

2.Jobs: I have outlined my job creation strategy in question one. I am a small business man with common sense. I plan to bring a common sense approach to council, I do not agree with voting on issues before public input. I believe in long term planning, not changing tenders because the price isn't right. These are a few examples I have for tax savings. Business is an area where Thunder Bay is lagging behind, business is the backbone of an sucessful economy. Our city council needs someone with business sense.

3. Crime: I admit I am not an expert on crime, I will support all reasonable initiatives to prevent and control crime. Owning a business in the downtown south core a realize crime is an issue. Our city should be safe for all, I believe a long term stragey is would help the crime issue.

TIMKO, LAWRENCE n/a

WADDINGTON, DICK

I do not have a new strategy to engage or retain young talent in our community.

The top three priority issues for Thunder Bay are:

a) Employment opportunities for our citizens;
b) Fiscal prudence by our government;
c) Health and safety of our citizens.
I would continue to support the efforts of our Economic Development Corporation including the funding of a staffer dedicated to increasing our involvement with the mining industry.
I would do all I could in order to reduce our taxation burden which is now deterring businesses from locating or expanding locally.

I would continue my efforts to ensure a safe, reliable source of water and sewage treatment for our citizens. I would also continue to argue in favour of community-based policing.

WOODS, TYLER n/a

_____________________________

Ward Candidates:
What value does a ward system bring to the community as a whole?
Would you be willing to challenge the status quo?
Please comment.

Current River (1 to be elected)

FOULDS, ANDREW

1.What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

I’m a guy who came back. After going away to university and spending a year in the Far North on Baffin Island, I had a job opportunity teaching in my home town. So jobs are Job #1in retaining our youth. Creating new job opportunities in mining, forestry, and the value-added jobs associated with the resource industry is a top priority. As is expanding our new knowledge-based industries associated with research at Confederation College, Lakehead University, the Medical School and the Regional Hospital.

But we also need to expand our entertainment and arts-based industries in music, fine arts, and writing. Turning the "Port Arthur" downtown core into genuine entertainment and restaurant district like Toronto’s "Distillery District" could be a start. Incorporating arts, entertainment, and sports in the Waterfront Development would help make it a genuinely "people place."

We also need to encourage young people to make presentations to city council while they are still in high school, college and university to give us new, fresh ideas. We should examine more closely the data from the City’s surveys of its citizens to see what the concerns of youth are. Establishing a council committee specifically concerned with youth issues and whose membership (except perhaps for the councillor(s) on the committee) would be under 30 could be another idea we explore.

Finally we need as a city council and administration to make better use of the social media to get more meaningful interaction with our youth.

2. What value does the ward system bring to the community as a whole? Would you be willing to challenge the status quo?

I am a strong supporter of the ward system. The councillor for each ward is not only responsible to his/her own constituents, but to the city as a whole. I believe my record shows that. For example, Boulevard, Centennial, and Trowbridge Parks – which are in Current River Ward – benefit the whole city and are used by citizens from all over the city. They are also major tourist draws. (As is Chippewa Park on the other side of town.) I have fought hard to improve the trails, tree planting, infrastructure and recycling in these parks, as well as taking a lead in greening our transit system.

The ward system allows new comers who are not well-known an opportunity to get elected to Council. You can go door-to-door in a ward in order to campaign and to get the voters’ opinions. You can’t do it adequately at large, because the whole city is too vast. So only those with a high profile from sports, business, etc. have a chance to get elected at large.

In fact, the smaller the area a councillor represents, the better he or she can represent it. I believe the current mixture of at large and ward councillors is a good one.

In Toronto where they have a pure ward system councillors like Howard Moscoe, Kyle Rae, Adam Giambrone, (and Mayor David Miller) have not only been concerned about their wards, but the city as a whole. They have even fought hard to get the TTC contracts for our plant in Thunder Bay. So they have shown ward councillors can show leadership for the whole province.

WOLFF, ANDY n/a

McIntyre (1 to be elected)

GIERTUGA, TREVOR n/a

KOMAR, MICHAEL n/a

TUCHENHAGEN, TRUDY n/a

WATKINS, CHRISTOPHER n/a

YAHN, TERRENCE A.

1. First of all, I believe that our young people have the opportunity to

travel anywhere in the world to enjoy life and advance in their chosen

careers. We must make sure that in trying to encourage them to stay, that we

do not restrict their ability to leave. Saying that, the city must be

socially and culturally attractive to youth - the availability to sports,

entertainment, recreation, education, affordable housing and good jobs (that

provide the opportunity for advancement).

What is available at our College and University and the programs that they

provide go a long way in retaining not only local students but also those

who come here to learn from throughout the district. Therefore programs that

meet the job needs of the community, where young people can see a future,

are very important. These institutions must present themselves as

educational destinations. Young people want to live and work in

"destination" cities and I believe that Thunder Bay is one of those

progressive communities.

2a. A Ward system allows for an additional level or dedicated connection,

with a specific Councillor, to city information and services. That

councillor may be better able to direct a constituent to a city department

that could best answer their specific issue or concern. Another role,

through Ward Meetings, is to keep residents of the Ward updated on Council

activities.

More importantly, when discussing new issues and projects, the Ward

Councillor must be able to determine if Council decisions have any direct

ramifications or impact on their Ward and share that information with

constituents. Also, the Ward Councillor should make sure that services,

maintenance, development, improvements are balanced throughout the city.

2b. Once a Ward system is in place it is difficult to remove it. Councillors

who run in a Ward and then want to change the system would be going against

the very reasons why they put their name forward in the first place. A

referendum would have every voter being asked to give up their ability to

put someone, with their issues at heart, into office. The Ward system brings

many more candidates, who are committed to good representation, into

Municipal politics. An At-Large system reduces the number of candidates and

name recognition plays a greater role on election night.

Can it be changed? - sure, if there was another system that randomly

assigned or appointed elected Councillors to have the additional

responsibilities to a specific area of the city to ensure that those lines

of communication remain open.
Respectfully submitted

Terrence A. Yahn Candidate for Councillor

McIntyre Ward

McKellar (1 to be elected)

NICHOLSON, DAVID

1. What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

We have to keep thinking about the future and try to be ahead of the curve. Are the programs offered at Confederation College and Lakehead University developing skills needed in Thunder Bay in sectors that are that are thriving, or expected to thrive, in the next five to ten or twenty years? If we educate and train them so they can leave, that does not help the city. Also, if we have emerging sectors that we are not training people for here, then that should be a priority. Are young people also being provided with entrepreneurial skills so they can work independently and create their own future? Skills and knowledge development has to be a priority. We have to offer future potential here to build careers, not simply jobs.

I left the city to work in Toronto in the 1990s to work at a national television network, since there were not opportunities to challenge and develop my skills here in Thunder Bay at that level. My priorities shifted after my daughter was born and I transitioned into a new career in research and moved back to Thunder Bay for the lifestyle. I now provide services to a global market from Thunder Bay.

We have to excel in all areas to make it attractive to want to be here. I do not want Thunder Bay to become labelled as a retirement town. We have to create recreational and cultural experiences that have a sense of adventure and challenge to them, and not always doing all the same events other cities are doing. We seem to be finally recognizing our “creative economy” of filmmakers, artisans, performers and musicians, and the vibrancy and enrichment they bring to the city. We are geographically isolated, which provides us with an opportunity to be unique and set a high standard for others to follow.

2. What value does a ward system bring to the community as a whole? Would you be willing to challenge the status quo? Please comment.

The value of the ward system is its connection to neighbourhoods and to the people. All of us have to have a sense of belonging to the city, the ward, the neighbourhood, our street. The ward system provides an opportunity to know a councillor, as they are likely much more involved with issues and events going on in the ward. I am not sure an entire at-large system is the best way to go, as councillors could be elected from one area of the city who do not have direct knowledge of other areas, which is not fair representation for city council.

Is it time we considered shrinking the size of city council? Perhaps work to include it in a strategic plan for five or ten years from now. I would favour maintaining a ward councillor system, but make the job of councillor a full-time position with council meetings during the day, instead of evening meetings that go until the early morning hours. This could also add new responsibilities to the role of councillor, which I feel would be a positive change, because we would attract people to the position who have the skills for public service and dedicated to making the city better.

PUGH, PAUL

Following are my replies to the two questions.
1. My strategy is to build on what we have in order to secure decent jobs in Thunder Bay. Our city has a skilled work force, and substantial economic potential in manufacturing, education and health care. Our region has forest an mineral resources, we have a favourable geographical location and good transportation facilities. As President of CAW Local 1075, I led our Local Union's very successful campaign to secure contracts for the Bombardier plant. During that 5 year campaign, I met with political, industry and labour leaders throughout the procince, I propose to make use of this experience in securing decent jobs for

Thunder Bay, and provide opportunities for young people. Besides my experience as a labour leader for many years, I hold an M.A. in Economics, and am singularly unimpressed by consultants promising miracles. The way forward will require cooperative efforts by representatives of existing sectors and sources of economic potential.

2. The ward system is essential to municipal democracy, in at least the following important ways: it is more affordable to run in a ward, allowing more citizens to participate meaningfully as candidates in elections, and it offers voters a realistic opportunity to replace a representative who hasn't performed up to expectations. Speaking from personal experience, I would not have been able to distribute a comparable amount of campaign information city-wide, as the costs would have been prohibitive, nor would I have had any hope of personally canvassing a comparable percentage of voters. McKellar ward voters may or may not elect me, but at least they have had an opportunity to hear from me. This would not have happened had I run city-wide, as I could not afford it. Likewise, if voters in McKellar are unsatisfied with the person elected in McKellar, they will be able to focus their electoral dissatisfaction much easier, than on at-large candidates.

I would be willing to change the status quo, if that means replacing the at-large positions with more ward positions. I do not believe the at-large system enhances municipal democracy, as it is biased towards candidates financially able to afford a city-wide campaign, eliminating voter choice of otherwise qualified candidates. Sincerely,

Paul Pugh

RICKARDS, ROBIN n/a

Neebing (1 to be elected)

RYDHOLM, LINDA n/a

SCOLLIE, BILL n/a

SHCHEPANIK, GARY - withdrew from election

SINCLAIR, DON n/a

WOJAK, HENRY n/a

Northwood (1 to be elected)

ARMIENTO, FRANK

BENTZ, MARK

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the survey.
1. What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

In my opinion, young talent requires two things in order to want to live in a community. Most importantly, they require stimulating employment and opportunity. Secondly, they need to feel that they are living in a community that is progressive and moving forward. The two are very linked in that in order to have one, you need the other. My focus continues to be on economic development and attracting investment to Thunder Bay as I feel this is the primary way that we will be able to retain our youth and provide them with the opportunities they require to build a life. A strong and vibrant economy has numerous benefits: higher youth retention rates, lower unemployment, lower taxes and a safer community. All of these attributes work to attract and retain young talent that is critical to our future success.

2. What value does a ward system bring to the community as a whole? Would you be willing to challenge the status quo?
I believe that the ward system provides many benefits to our municipal democracy. First and foremost, it ensures that every area of the city is represented by a citizen that lives in that area and is accountable for representing it. This is important because different areas have different needs and having a representative that has first hand knowledge of those needs at the table is essential to good decision making. Secondly, the ward system makes entering politics more accessible and less costly to lesser known candidates thereby assisting interested citizens to become engaged in the democratic process. The more that citizens engage in our democracy, the better our democracy will be.

As the status quo has a majority of ward councillors, I do not feel that it is a priority to change the make up of Council at this time. When implemented, the system was designed to be a compromise to satisfy those who advocated for a full ward system and those who advocated for an full at large system.

At this time, the system appears to be working well and the feedback I am getting from the community indicates that it is not an issue that is at the top of voters' minds. Having said that, I would be prepared to advocate for a full ward system if the electorate identified it as a critical issue for our city.

Mark Bentz

Candidate, Northwood Ward

POLHILL, DAVID n/a

Red River (1 to be elected)

ALEXANDER, LAURY

What new strategies would you employ to engage and retain young talent in our community?

Changes in economic, social and environmental and sustainability adaptation methods are often led by City Hall. Effective adaptation requires input from all citizens to engage them further in a community that is in transition.

Council member decisions has significant impact to the youth who will inherit the merits and challenges of their decision during adult years. It is imperative that programming, education, quality of life audits are regularly performed to ensure we are not contributing to youth out-migrating and effectively solicit youth input into what will make them stay in their hometown community.

It's important to engage every citizen in sustainability efforts from principle to practice.

Thunder Bay is known to be a pioneer city and this trait often draws "pioneer-like" students to live and learn here.

I would encourage our youth to offer their input, you are natural change-makers.

You offer needed academic expertise, individual initiatives and insight that can significantly benefit this community as it diversifies.

2. What value does a ward system bring to the community as a whole? Would you be willing to challenge the status quo? Please comment.

Ward systems were introduced into communities when disproportionate representation was perceived to be hindering growth in one community area over another.

Thunder.

The at-large voting system at one time was seen to be supportive of a status quo at times could divide a city into ward-related disproportionate representation. Many Canadian and Ontario cities have recently reintroduced wards--often as part of a combined system that includes at-large and ward representation.

In the past four years, what were once considered ward issues has now spread equally to all areas of the city: increased spending and decreased revenues, public and neighbourhood safety, green energy, zoning by-law changes, brown field development, taxation, land planning and organized development.

I would be open to a city-wide plebscite and let voters decide. Factors such as population declines and migrating populations into other wards as well how service and representation could be best be served is best chose by voters.

Elect Laury Alexander

Candidate Red River Ward

356 Van Norman St. 626-9832

www.laury.ca

MCKINNON, BRIAN n/a

STAPLETON, JAY n/a

WOLFE, PAUL n/a

Westfort (1 to be elected)

POLHILL, JEFFREY JOHN

In order to train and keep our brightest and best young people, I would engage in the creation of a large cancer centre to train young oncologists, and also technicians for research and inovations.

Thunder Bay has one of the largest cancer rates in Canada and would be the natural place for a mega clinic/research facility. Twinned with our world class university, our world class colledge, and our world class hospital with it's DNA lab, cellular medicine lab, and native health clinic, we would create a cancer reseach jugernaut.

The ward system should be maintained and possibly expnded to ensure that the aldermen and women are more accountable to the people they represent.

I look forward to your opinions and would welcome your suggesstions.

Respectfully,

Jefrey John Polhill.

RADL, JOHN

Question #1

There really is not any new strategies to keep young here. As has been stated we need jobs (with good wages), we need more recreational areas and we need to improve safety of our neighbourhoods. If done this would keep more of our sons and daughters from leaving here.

Question #2

The ward system is important if you want all residents to have representation and assistance from a counsellor. If no ward system existed then small areas like Sandy Beach Road with small number of homes would be overlooked. Other places where people live and are not finically well off may not get service from counsellors. The larger areas with more votes, more money, more pull will benefit, others will be left hanging.

As for changing the status quo, yes I would be willing to challenge it, if and only if we could design a system that guarantees groups spoken about are looked after. Maybe a City ombudsman with some pull.

Thanks John R

VIRDIRAMO, JOE n/a

___________________________________

School Boards Candidates for All School Board Trustees:

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

Trustees for only one (1) school board. You may vote for eight (8) trustees if you are an English-Public supporter, six (6) trustees if you are an English-Separate supporter, one (1) trustee if you are a French-Public supporter and four (4) trustees if you are a French-Separate supporter.

To be a supporter, you must meet the following criteria:

• English - Public: Anyone may support.

• English - Separate: You must be Roman Catholic.

• French - Public: You must have French Language Education Rights.

• French - Separate: You must be Roman Catholic - have French Language Education Rights.

English Public - School Board (8 to be elected)

ARNONE, MARG

Answers to yout two questions:

1) Unfortunately the curriculum is set by the Ministry of Education. The Board of Trustees are there to ensure that the curriculum is followed and of a high level. I will be one of the eight on the board. Decisions are made jointly and not individually. Honestly I do not think this is a fair question to ask.

2) Bullying is a multifaceted issue. Root causes are many and varied. Everything from T.V.programs, violence in video games, violence in the home, lack of good parenting skills to learned behavior and feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. It has only one purpose--“to allow one person to exercise power over another”. It takes many forms; face to face, internet, exclusion, to actual arassment under the Human Rights Code, such as discrimination because of race, creed, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation etc.

The Board of Education has policies and procedures to follow and the base rate for bullying must be a zero tolerance. My job as a trustee is to ensure that the policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to and if not then I must advocate to see to it that this occurs. All School Boards need to speak with one united voice on this issue. We have to educate our children about what it is and what to do to stop it. We need to train our children to not be by standers--to act to get help and to step in to help when they see this--the schools role I believe is to provide this training.

GRANT, FRANK n/a

HANNAFORD, JOYCE n/a

JOHANSEN,PAT

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

Literacy needs to be addressed long before grade 12. Literacy needs to begin even before entering school with the parent/guardian. The Fair Start program for students entering school and the early identification of learning difficulties is very important. School libraries, parent involvement, community partners, and creating learning opportunities outside the class room all develop higher levels of learning. Literacy is not just reading and writing.

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

Bullies often are not good students and have academic problems in school, such as a learning disability. Bullying needs to be acknowledges and, we need to develop strategies to insure victims feel safe to tell someone and trust that the bullying stop. Bullying can often be a cry for help and unless they receive help, children who bully become adults who bully. Schools, parents/guardians and community need to strive to teach our children mutual respect, trust, and caring.

Both questions you asked are difficult to answer and issues that need everyone working together to find solutions for. The Lakehead Board has always involved staff, parent/guardians, and community groups to develop strategies for issues. I believe in listening to all theories, and ideas on how to create new directions and positive solutions.

LUKINUK, LORI

Thank you for the questions. Both are significant to education and I appreciate the opportunity to provide my views on each.

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

A high level of literacy does not just happen in Grade 12. As far back as the early years in kindergarten and the primary grades it is necessary to develop an interest in reading and strong oral language skills along with learning to put thoughts and ideas to paper (or in the 21st Century putting thoughts and ideas to a word document). This all starts very early and transcends to life long learning. In the 21st Century, students are faced with diverse and abundant choices for information. The use of internet will not in itself create more informed students without the students learning skills to use such information effectively. Information is found in many unfiltered formats and students are required to think critically, evaluate and analyze information, problem solve, and incorporate the information into their knowledge base. The ability to do all of these, beginning in the early years, will result in a higher level of literacy in senior grades.

After saying all of the above, while I have my own views on literacy, as a trustee I am not the education expert. My job and the job of the Board as a whole is to hire a Director of Education who, as the expert in the field of education, has a vision and the knowledge to create a leadership team able to implement a plan that will result in a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students. As a trustee it is my job to vote on a budget that will provide the programs and resources for our students to succeed. My first question when making decisions should be, “Is this good for students?” It is up to the Board to hold the Director accountable to ensuring student success.

It is important that trustees know and understand their role. The Director, Administration, employee groups, parents, and most importantly the students of Lakehead Public Schools all have a role to play. The trustee role is to work as a Board to make decisions that will support the role of all other groups. By providing those supports, all groups are better able to do their jobs and that will result in greater student success including a higher level of literacy.

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

I don’t believe there is one root cause of bullying behaviour. I have, as a trustee, attended many workshops on bullying. There is always reference to a lack of self-esteem, or a family environment where the bully themselves is being bullied at home. I’ve even heard the theory that some people have a personality referred to a predatory. I believe there can be many causes of bullying behaviour.

The Character Education initiative at Lakehead Public Schools involved a wide range of stakeholder groups and community members as part of focus groups who came up with 5 values that they felt would best encompass what all groups wanted to see at Lakehead Public Schools. The values of Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Integrity, and Acceptance were agreed to and these traits are discussed at all of our schools.

Another important piece of work being done at Lakehead DSB with the help of Dr. Ed Rawana is a pilot project focusing on strength based learning. Dr Rawana is a child psychologist and Director of the Lakehead Site of the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs. The strategy is to focus on areas of strength to enhance self-esteem and as a result promote positive behaviour. The teachers examine their students’ strengths and incorporate them into the day-to-day activities in the classroom. The objective is to encourage students to recognize and use their strengths to deal with situations that they encounter in the school. The student learns to self assess and the teacher builds a student strength profile for each student that can be used to communicate with that student, their parent and other staff. Acknowledging students’ strengths on a consistent basis encourages them to learn. Focusing on student strengths is a positive way to respond to misbehaviour. By helping students to recognize their strengths, when difficult situation occur, they will have the confidence to tackle challenges.

Both the character education initiative and the strength based learning work being piloted and expanded to other schools are examples of the work being done in our schools to support all our students including those who struggle. By having all students identify and understand good behaviour and recognize in themselves their own strengths, the culture in the school will be positive and as a result bullying will not be accepted within the culture of that school.

As a trustee, I encourage and support such strategies.

Thank you again for the opportunity and your interest in the 2010 election candidates.

Sincerely,

Lori Lukinuk

Trustee Candidate – Lakehead Public Schools

Email: lalukinuk@tbaytel.net

Phone: 626-9569

Website: www.lorilukinuk.com

MASSARO, DEBORAH n/a

OIKONEN, RON

#1 Our board has a high level of expectation of our staff to promote this and we monitor the level of literacy to continue to improve and the public should give us feed back if we are not graduating our students with a high level of literacy. The college, university and the work place have to let us know.

Question # 2 We have programs such as safe schools , character education and equity but this is also a community promblem the board is part of the solution however we cannot do it alone. We work with many agencys to combat this problem . Ron

PLAYFORD, JACK n/a

SAARINEN, GEORGE n/a

WILSON, KAREN

Thank you for the opportunity to share my views and values with your Board of Directors and alumni. Along with reviewing my answers to your questions I hope you will take the time to get to know me a little better by accessing my website www.karenwilsontrustee.com. I have a passion for education and believe that a public education system provides accessibility to all learners.

As an incumbent trustee I have come to understand how trustees can have an impact on the education of the Board’s students. While much of what we do is Policy development these are only documents. The true test is how these policies and procedures are implemented in the day to day workings of the schools. We as a Board of Trustees entrust the assurance that policies will be implemented and successful to the Director of Education.

In June 2008 Lakehead Public Schools engaged its many stakeholders in developing a Board Strategic Plan. The Plan is based on 3 Pillars: Student Success, Staff Success, System Success. From this Strategic Plan an Operational Plan was developed by Administration. This twelve page document is available on the Lakehead Public Schools website www.lakeheadschools.ca.

Both questions below are addressed in each of the 3 pillars with some very specific goals.

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

“Student Achievement is a high priority for me and as such I support the Operational Plan which is focused on high literacy rates for students and states specific targets for improvements to EQAO testing results, OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test), and credit achievement by Grade 10. The Board is also focusing resources both in personnel and programs for Aboriginal students. The provision of many Alternative Education programs offers students a variety of ways to achieve graduation (Co-op, Connections, SAIL, SAM/MISOL, Storefront, SALEP). Teachers are being given training on a number of assessment tools to monitor students throughout the school year.”

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

“In my research of the root causes of bullying I have learned that there are a number of factors that can influence a person to bully. It is usually a power and control issue. Bullying is a learned behaviour which can start at home. A victim of bullying can in turn exhibit bullying behaviour. The glorification of violence (eg. video games and movies), poor social and relationship skills, learning disabilities are all seen as contributing factors. A child raised in a violent home, the lack of bonding with a parent, and poor supervision are also seen as factors.

A number of strategies must be implemented to address the issue of bullying in schools. As a Board trustees have recently passed Policy 8071-Bullying Prevention and Intervention. A part of the process will be to have each school participate in a ‘Climate Survey’ to determine various issues of bullying as it impacts that school. Also, there will be staff training on how to identify and deal with bullying.”

Respectfully,

Karen Wilson

English Separate - School Board (6 to be elected)

ASHE, ELEANOR

1: How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12

students?

The Ministry objective is to enhance graduation levels to 85 %. Advanced literacy and numeracy knowledge skills are the keys to successful lives for students and a prosperous society. Academic and applied courses of study are developed to capitalize on students’ individual potential. The OSSLT-Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test- administered to all Grade 10 students is an important tool for improvement planning at the student, school, school board and provincial levels. Curriculum development and resources support Student Success programmes such as Specialist High Skills Majors, Expanded Co-op, E-learning and technological studies. Ministry policy, memoranda and guidelines assist in the establishment of other benchmarks to ensure appropriate direction for student achievement.

2; What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them

In a perfect society, each individual would be respected and respectful. With diversity in physical, social, economic, spiritual, cultural, emotional and moral development, the survival of the fittest appears to approaching the norm. Harassment, prejudice, bigotry, racism , and discrimination are exhibited behaviours which result in forms of bullying. Generally speaking, the pundits attribute a deemed sense of inferiority or lack of self-esteem as a root cause. Sarah Boesveld in the Globe and Mail article of April 2010, defies bullying as the “black side of power”. Bullying is predominantly a learned behaviour which must be addressed. Teaching students to build positive relationships and develop effective communication strategies will empower all students and the entire school community to create environments free from bullying.

The Education Amendment Act, Bill 157 approved in February , 2010 deals with Anti-Bullying, in keeping with the Safe Schools Act 2000. All Boards must have policies in place to address the elements of bullying, with constant review.

It is required that each school include and anti-bullying statement in their Code of Conduct . In addition, school principals are required to establish and maintain a bullying prevention program in each school. The Bullying Prevention Program is to be discussed annually with each School Council.

CATTANI, DON n/a

CELLA, WILLIAM n/a

CICCONE, THERESA n/a

DEGAGNE, ROBERT

Answers

1- Literacy is a problem that needs to be addressed in the earlier years of learning. We need to examine the students reading habits as well as writing habits to develop a strategy that would give us the feedback necessary to build their reading and writing skills. To say that literacy is a problem with grade 12 students is really a problem that has to be looked at much earlier in the students education. More time needs to be allocated for the fundamentals of reading and writing to ensure greater success moving forward.

2- Psychologists used to believe that bullies had low self esteem and put down other people to feel better about themselves. New studies show that most bullies actually have excellent self esteem but lack compassion, impulse control and social skills. Bullying is a problem that isn’t new or regional. Bullying is a worldwide problem and because of our diverse culture we need to always have a policy in place to prevent bullying. The Ministry of Education has a policy in place(Bill 157) for bullying in the province of Ontario. This along with a strong a message from the local boards must be continuously viewed to ensure that all the students have a safe educational experience. Some strategies that have worked in other area of the world should be looked at to see if they can be implemented into our schools to reduce and control bullying.

HOWIE, JEFF n/a

HUPKA, BOB
How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?
The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board has worked tremendously hard in recent years to improve literacy across the entire system. In fact, our EQAO scores clearly show the positive results from these efforts.
The Board believes that all students require a firm foundation at the beginning of their academic journey in order to secure success throughout their schooling. A recent reading program called “PALS” has already shown impressive improvements to our students’ literacy and comprehension.

At the high school level our students continue to shine. Based on our most recent EQAO scores, 88 per cent of our students passed the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. For those students who continue to struggle, we have initiated a number of great programs including a remedial reading, credit recovery and dual credit to name a few.
We understand that a good educational system is key the Thunder Bay’s future.
2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?
There are a number of causes for bullying. A sense of alienations or discrimination, maturity levels, personal experiences and up bringing all play a role in creating an environment for bullying.
Our Board takes this issue seriously. Today bullying is no longer restricted to a schoolyard squabble or name calling in the hall. With the advent of technology like computers and cell phones, many children are now victim to cyber-bullying.
Working with a number of community agencies, including Thunder Bay Police, our Board will continue to stamp out bullying.
A number of our schools have addressed the issue by discussing it openly and expressing the painful realities of bullying. Some schools have issued challenges to their students to identify bullying as soon as it occurs. Only by naming it and bringing out into the open can we deal with the situation.

Bullying is not tolerated at our schools but despite our best efforts it will continue to rear its ugly head. We must continue to work together with the students, the parents and community groups to reduce the effects of bullying.

KNAUFF, GENEVIEVE C.

Please find below my answers to your survey questions.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Genevieve

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

Increased literacy levels begin with Early Learning Programs that offer literacy opportunities to 4 and 5 year olds, including fulltime Junior and Senior Kindergarten. Early Learning not only offers a critical foundation in language and math, the program engages students at a young age in the social school environment and facilitates the beginning of their journey on the path of lifelong learning. Early Learning Programs offer students the best possible start to their school careers.

Each year, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board (TBCDSB) examines student success rates on EQAO standardized testing, including the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Utilizing these results, the Board develops a Strategic Plan for Literacy and Numeracy Development. This annual literacy and numeracy plan is an integral part of the 2008-2012 Board Strategic Plan and guides the program development and spending efforts of the Board aimed at increasing student success. The TBCDSB has the majority of its students achieving results at or above the provincial average on the OSSLT.

Through the implementation of these strategic plans, I will continue to work with my fellow Trustees and key members of Senior Administration to dedicate the required human and financial resources to increase the level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students.

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

At the core of bullying is an intolerance towards differences and diversity among students that can encompass race, gender and socioeconomic position. Bullying can take many forms from conventional physical and verbal assaults to the more recent phenomenon of cyber-bullying, which is equally damaging. There has also been a marked increase in female bullying that has escalated to be as violent as male bullying.

Safe Schools is a high priority with the Ministry of Education. In 2007, the government passed several amendments to the Education Act with the goal of enhancing the learning environment in all schools by addressing Progressive Discipline, Bullying and Programs for students who are suspended or expelled.

On February 1, 2010, Bill 157 – Keeping Our Kids Safe at School Act came into effect. This Act is intended to raise awareness levels of inappropriate behaviours, increase response levels to such behaviours and provide guidance and direction for the support of all students who have been involved in unpleasant or harmful situations. The TBCDSB continues to be proactive and vigilant with respect to bullying within its schools and ensures that all staff receive the required training modules associated with Bill 157, the related Regulation (472/02) and any updates to the legislation.

As a Catholic learning environment, the TBCDSB is committed to providing quality education that combines academic excellence with a concern for the spiritual, moral, social, emotional, cultural and physical growth of the student. This education is provided in a Christ-centered environment where diversity is embraced and tolerance is promoted, which are the most effective tools to combat bullying. Utilizing the teachings of Christ, I will continue to assist the Board in our endeavours to ensure we offer a safe and accepting learning environment to all our students.

Genevieve Knauff, R.P.F.

gck Consulting

46 Hwy 130, R.R. #2

Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 4V1

Cell: (807) 620-6877

Email: gcknauff@shaw.ca

MAHONEY, DONNA

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

· Increased testing of students in early grades in elementary school, and continue into high school. Perhaps a testing prior to being admitted to junior and high school will enable the system to better determine the level of each individual student.

· Setting up programs and obtaining resources to assist students who fall behind the required level of literacy.

· Making the delivery of literacy education flexible for those students with special needs.

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

· School boards, students and all employees play an important role in providing a safe environment for both students and staff. A trustee is responsible under Education Act to ensure that regulations are outlined in policy that clear, concise, consistent, and fair. Policy should also meet legal obligations to protect both board staff and students. Bullying behaviour is not conducive to a respectful environment in which students can successfully develop, learn and achieve. Bullying is a behaviour that should not be tolerated.

· In my opinion, one of the causes of bullying comes from behaviour that is learnt by our children at an early age. Children learn it during socialization relating to each other at home, day care, playgrounds, school etc. Acting out behaviour such as playing mean little games that hurt an individual can be considered a type and degree of bullying. One example would be if there were three little girls playing together and two of them do not include the third causing feelings of rejection. Perhaps a very minor example, however, can be very hurtful and can be the beginning of this type of negative social behaviour that results in more serious types of bullying.

Thank you

Donna Mahoney,

Candidate Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board.

O'BRIEN, KATHY

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students?

As a Trustee, I will continue to support the Board and its staff with the positive initiatives they are implementing, such as:

identifying key teachers to be leaders in curriculum development and implementation of literacy and numeracy subject areas.

identifying best practices in literacy and numeracy throughout the Province and implementing them within our schools where best applicable.
looking for opportunities to support staff in-service in stragegies used to assist students in achieving improved academic results.
Support Board initiatives in providing schools with improved resources to be used in the classroom.

Identifying the areas of strength and weakness in standardized tests so that the curriculum can be adjusted to build on successes and remediate areas in need of work

Look for opportunities to encourage administrators and teachers to upgrade themselves in courses that would address student academic needs.
2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

It is difficult to identify the root cause of bullying, not only in our system but in society as a whole. Some feel it is a product of our economic situation, others feel it is a product of society. Either way, bullying is prevalent in all schools and because of more disclosure it has become one of the key issues facing all school boards today. The latest statistics suggest that still, only less than five per cent of bullying is reported.

With respect to addressing bullying in schools, I would continue to suppory zero tolarence for any sort of bullying. A number of initiatives must continue to be implemented depending on the situation. They include;
Every school must implement an anti-bullying strategy that involves staff, students, parents, guardians and community members (including the Police).

Schools should implement anti-bullying assemblies regularly (monthly, if possible) to make students aware of the problem and afford them tools with which to deal with bullies (ways to divert, disclose to adults, and, as a bystander assist the victims).

Clear, fair but firm consequences must be adhered to for all bullies (including internet bullying).

All schools must develop a relationship with Thunder Bay Police and the resource school officer to work with staff, students and school councils to best address this issue in their respective community.

ROMEO, TONY n/a

VALE, HANNI

Thank you for the opportunity to fill out your survey.

Please find my answers to your survey below.

1. How will you establish a higher level of literacy for graduating Grade 12 students

We need to identify these problems a lot sooner then grade 12. With the EQAO testing we now have a better idea of learning difficulties – with that said we need to address these issues, may it be with more help after school, getting parents more involved or maybe more partnerships with some external groups. Make sure that these children are aware of the difficulties they face in the working world if they do not get the help that they need.

2. What is your understanding of the root cause of bullying and what strategies would you implement to address them?

I think the root cause for most bullying is that our children do not understand or respect the difference within our schools and with other children. If these children do not understand then they need to express themselves and with that you get the bullying. I also believe that children are not bullying for the same reason and with all of the different kinds of bullying we need to sit with each child and find out the answer to “why”. I think that maybe a bullying “team” should be put into place, maybe made up of Parents, Teachers, Principal and a Board member. Some children may feel intimidated by the staff within the school so maybe bring in just your average parent.

Thank you,

Hanni Vale

Candidate for Separate School Trustee

French Public - School Board (1 to be elected)

GELINEAULT, ANNE-MARIE n/a

French Separate - School Board (4 to be elected)

BRETON, DIANE n/a

GLEESON, CLAUDETTE n/a

LANGEVIN, MARIETTE n/a

MAYER, LINA n/a

PARADIS, SERGE n/a

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All candidate responses have been posted "as received" without editing or formatting,

as of Friday October 15, 2010 at 10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Maggie Chicoine

Lead Facilitator