Closed, Closed, Closed

Heading back home after a long weekend meant quite a few hours of travel. What a better way to pass the time but to chat and drive with a hot chocolate. Finding an independent, non-chain coffee shop open on a Monday statutory holiday was challenging. Two very touristy communities had no such shops open. The only place to buy a to-go drink were gas stations and Tim Horton's.

How does this reflect on rural development? I do believe people need days off, especially the independent, small shop owners. However, on the last "big" weekend of the summer when there is expected high traffic, having a closed sign is unwise. That closed sign gives the message that "your business is not important to me".

One part of rural development is about delivering services to local residents and often to tourists. In my case, as a tourist I was turned away and dissatisfied; how often are local people in small communities dissatisfied? When businesses fail to meet the needs of the local residents then people shop elsewhere. Sometimes these needs are longer business hours, an increase in the variety of goods or services, and being responsive to customers. It may be challenging or not make sense to stay open when few people come in, but sometimes it takes time to get the word out that a business is open longer. Local residents have an equal responsibility to meet the needs of the business owners. Residents need to frequent local services and businesses for business longevity.

Rural development in one of those areas that helps to increase quality of life for people. Businesses and services aide in helping people shop local, create employment, increase economic strength, and build community. Often the local diner is the "hub" of the community where people stop to chat over coffee and food. Sometimes even a local event will be held at the local diner. Starting a business in a rural community encourages people's talents and passions, and even their dreams.

Turn the sign over to "open" even when it may not make sense and welcome people in- there may be some surprises.

Friendly Competition

Sometimes competition can spur people to take action in communities. Keeping the competition on a friendly basis ensures that there are no ill feeling and builds relationships between communities and regions. Sometimes the competition can be within a community or between similar organizations. Often these friendly competitions can help bring awareness to a cause or organization or even raise funds.

At other times, competition can get ugly. Recently, I heard of a community striving for the title of "most beautiful town in Canada". Apparently, one eastern town and one western town in Canada both claim the title and one town is pushing for the sole title. This possibly means legal action. The town who may have to remove the title would have to spend a lot of money to amend websites and print materials. Such a title is important to tourism and marketing strategies for a community. However, is such a title worth strife between two communities so far apart? Tourists will go where they want to visit and a town with a title of "most beautiful town in Canada" miles and miles apart is really in low competition of each other.

Tag lines play an important role in tourism. Tag lines to attract tourists and future residents are important to communities. Branding the community helps to build the community image and reflect community values. When that branding infringes upon another community then something needs to change. However, does it need to change to the point of potential legal implications? That strong competitive value would definitely stand out and send a message.

The answer may be to build on friendly competition where organizations or communities can build relationships and pool resources together, rather than repel each other.

If paradise is where we are, then paradise is everywhere. That means the most beautiful place to be is right where you are!

Nowhere... But Somewhere

Have you ever driven down a rural road and wondered what people "do" because it seems so desolate? Have you ever commented that a community seemed to be in the middle of nowhere? My husband did that as we travelled through BC on our two week tenting trip. We travelled some of the secondary roads where communities were further apart and had few amenities. He wondered if we ever bought property in one of those more remote areas what his mother would do when she visited?!!

Sometimes I think it is about perspective when people comment about "living in the middle of nowhere". Every community is "somewhere" and most people live where they are because they think it is paradise. The perspective could be based on rural experiences or what people believe "somewhere" means to them. Another perspective could clearly be urban versus rural, but even with that perspective there are differences with urban, rural, and remote. Size, proximity, and amenities all contribute to those particular categories. Often those attributes affect funding to a community or individual in a number of ways. I have heard that sometimes when people in rural communities are asked about living rural, they say "this isn't rural- go to the next community- now that is rural!" It really is about perspective!

Perhaps living where some people would label as "nowhere" is about quality of life. What do people value about their quality of life? More and more I hear about people moving into rural communities, giving up their car, growing their food, volunteering in the community, getting away from the hustle and bustle, and seeking solitude. Maybe that is what living "nowhere" is all about; living in a place where you can set the pace yourself and surround yourself with nature and the things you love.

I know of one university professor who usually schedules two or three day meetings in a rural area where direct access to a local airport or buying an espresso is out of the question. She tells me that at first the city folk are in distress because the cell phone coverage is at best, limited, and people don't seem to know what to do with themselves. Finally, by the end of the day people are loosening up and relaxing. The talent of people begin to emerge with guitars and singing, or even a card game or two.

When I hear the comment "this is in the middle of nowhere" I now tend to reflect and wonder what the other person means by that. What gauge is being used to label a community as being in the middle of nowhere? How would someone describe their quality of life in their community relevant to another? Should two communities even be compared for quality of life? I think asking other people in where you live how they view the community in terms of quality of life would be an excellent process to go through. It would help people understand each other's perspective and look for opportunities for growth.

So, when you are driving down that remote, rural road and wondering why people live in the middle of "nowhere" remember, "nowhere is somewhere"... it is someone's paradise!

Garage Sales Unite

My neighbourhood is in an older area where there is a mix of long term residents and more recently moved in people, like us. I decided to combine my love of garage sales and community together and started to plan a neighbourhood garage sale. There were wonderful unexpected outcomes and I can only imagine that next year will be bigger and better.

What I love about ideas is that when you share them, you never know how those ideas will turn out. I believed I had to do my "research" first to find out if a neighbourhood garage sale had ever happened. As it turned out, there hadn't been one, but that very weekend my neighbour and her friends were planning one. Some discussions happened amongst that group and it was decided to set a later date and invite the neighbours to join in this venture.

Over a cup of tea we decided what the invitation should say and came up with key points to share. One of the important things we thought to have on the invitation was the "why". Four points of "why" included 1) your cast offs could be some one's treasure, 2) meet your neighbours, 3) encourage recycling, and 4) just to have fun! Flyers were dropped off in each mail box of the neighbourhood and then we waited.

The invitation worked! There were about 14 neighbours who participated, and quite a few neighbours called to say they were away but would participate next time. Someone put signs up while another person put balloons out. One woman said she didn't want to have a garage sale, but would host a barbeque for those who had a garage sale. What a gem!

The end of the garage sale day came and we all headed over to our neighbour's with potluck contributions. Food, fun, and conversations were held with babes to seniors.

This neighbourhood garage sale was a success because it met the outcomes of meeting neighbours, recycling, having fun, and building relationships. When I reflect on the process what really happened was a community development approach to an event. Invitations to participate with a smaller group, talking about strengths, some informal research, setting priorities on how to best implement the event, and then broadening the invitation to others.

I only made $25 at my garage sale that day, but the relationships I started to build are priceless.

Babes in the Kitchen

These babes were beautiful... all under 18 months old! At a recent ACE Community Building Workshop in Youngstown the local caterers were hard at work preparing lunch for almost 50 people. At the cooks' feet were three little ones. We did hear an occasional outburst, but nothing loud enough to take the attention away from the speaker.

Having the ability to bring children to a community event is valuable. In this situation, the mothers were able to work, earn extra income, keep their children with them, and support the community. In the communities ACE supports we have heard how important it is to have childcare available during community meetings.

Some communities have created situations where childcare is easily incorporated at community events . The feedback to the local leaders was tremendous. Often having childcare at the event meant spouses could attend. Other times it meant the parent could easily attend and participate in something in the community.

Childcare at community events reflect what communities are all about: uniting all. Child care at an event helps to bridge the gap between generations, provides opportunities for connectedness, elevates pressure on parents, gets more people involved, and reminds people of the different types of needs and groups of people in the community.

Thinking outside the lines on how to offer childcare during a community meeting is a good start to including families with younger children. Areas to tap into for support could be the youth, seniors, faith based groups, other parents, or people from neighbouring communities. Organizing a rotating schedule where different people can help and still participate in meetings would be useful.

Local businesses or parents could offer to supply snacks and toys. There is a tremendous amount of activities for children of all ages on-line and through books from the local library that could be tapped into and used to plan play activities.

Keeping in mind the whole community when planning large meetings helps to build a positive atmosphere. Meeting the needs of parents with children demonstrates to people the value of each community member. After all, those babes in the kitchen are our next leaders and we need to take care of them.

No Bananas for 80 Years

Imagine not eating bananas for 80 years!

The story starts out at a Growing Rural Tourism Conference in Camrose. A dynamic, vibrant, and very energetic key note speaker threw bananas at the delegates. She was using bananas to link to change and working with your best customer: your staff. The speaker shared a story about an elderly man at one of her speaking engagements who had a story about bananas. At seven he peeled an banana and found a worm. Ever since then, this almost 90 year old man has never eaten a banana. He would peel them for his children and grandchildren, but at arm's length.

The speaker bridged the story to change and how some people find change so difficult. Change is one of those processes where some embrace it and others hide from it. Change is inevitable and change happens constantly. Why is it so hard then?

I believe it has to do with attitude. Checking our perception about change is a start. Change for the sake of change is not appropriate. However, helping people understand why the shift has to happen while honoring the past is important.

Rural communities are going through tremendous change. To name a few evident examples of change in rural areas: population shifts; demographics; resource fluctuation; lack of employment or lack of employees; limited internet access; rural culture changes; and lack of diverse volunteers.

But what do these changes mean in terms of community development? It means rural communities need to check-in about attitudes towards change. When communities apply a community development process where stakeholders are involved from the start, postive change can happen. Many communities are already embracing change while keeping the rural roots identity. Innovation is throughout rural Alberta and thinking outside the box is helping communities adjust to the pressures of change.

When you eat your next banana think about the next 80 years- what do you want your community to look like for the next generations?

The Hidden Volunteer

Recently I discovered that my neighbour takes a shopping bag along with him when he takes his daily walk and picks up litter. He told me it is not any bother and does not take time away from his walk. I am amazed at his dedication not only to his own health and wellness, but to the health of the environment. It is these "hidden" volunteers that contribute so much to our lives without us even knowing it. However, these individuals are never recognized, but then again, maybe the wish to remain anonymous.

Volunteerism is the core to our communities. Many of us volunteer or has volunteered at one point or another. Most of us have attended an event or been part of a program where a volunteer was involved. Whether a volunteer is "hidden" or has a more formal role, volunteers are necessary.

This week of April 18-24 it is Volunteer Week and there are special volunteer recognition events happening in many communities. Minister Lindsay Blackett of Culture and Community Spirit shares a special video about volunteerism: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlbertaCulture?feature=mhw5#p/u/1/hS2HjfMLims

Volunteer Alberta has an excellent website with various resources helpful to an organization working with volunteers. People wanting to volunteer can check out their local volunteer organization, the town, or ask a particular organization if there is a need for any volunteers.

Even businesses need volunteers. One community in Alberta worked with local seniors on utilizing the seniors' talents for businesses to "pay off" a community futures loan. Many businesses in the community had taken out a $5,000 loan from Community Futures and in turn the money was used for a bus. This community bus was meant for seniors who could attend out-of-town functions. What a unique way to capture volunteerism!

Whether a person is a "hidden" volunteer or a volunteer involved in a particular organization, our world is definitely a better place for it.

The Good "Stuff"

What if there was a newspaper or publication that only focused on the good news? What a motivating piece of literature that would be! Most people love to hear the good news, or at least to end a conversation with good news so it diminishes the effects of the "bad" news.

Travelling throughout rural Alberta has been such a privilege over the last few months. As ACE Communities work with communities to host Community Building Workshops our team definitely hears many positive stories. At one point of the workshop participants are asked to share their "best story ever" about community development initiative. We are always astounded at what we hear. There is never duplication because each community initiative is unique and reflective of the community and its residents.

What stands out about this part of the workshop is that I am amazed that communities do not share this good "stuff" beyond the community. If others could read about the good news happening in other communities it would be inspirational. Sharing these stories could bridge the gap between communities and open up possibilities to share ideas and resources. Equally important, the stories would demonstrate the vitality and resilience of rural Alberta.

Community initiatives that move towards empowerment where residents are part of the decision making process are examples of positive stories. Building stronger, more cohesive communities are based on such a process. What needs to happen is spreading the word that communities are creating active, creative, and engaged communities!

In the meanwhile, remember to share "the good stuff" because it really does make a difference to others!

Work With Me!

I recently asked three elected officials what it takes to effectively work with council. Part of the reason was to build a resource for the community leaders in ACE Communities, and the other reason was to hear responses from people who sit in that position. The responses were meaningful, specific, and realistic. I realize feedback from three elected officials across Alberta is only a very small snapshot, but it does provide a glimpse of how residents can contribute positively to the relationship with council. In any case, I have paraphrased the councillors' wisdom here.

Three messages stood out with the feedback from councillors: benefits, KISS, and relationships.

One councillor discussed sharing information with councillors in terms of benefits. Outline the pros and cons of the proposal. This included costs, resources, impacts, length of progress, and other pertinent information.

It was pointed out that the council is a diverse group of individuals and people may not be an expert in the situation presented to them. This means working with administration to ensure all the background information is shared and any documents forwarded clearly provide the benefits.

What about KISS? This does not mean to literally kiss, but rather to "keep it seriously simple". Be mindful that some councillors are part time, but all councillors have a tremendous amount of material to read and sift through. The tough advice to follow is to keep written and oral presentations short, concise, and clear with the needs and recommendations.

Last, but certainly not least important, is to build relationships. Tips to do that was to "pick up the phone" and share, as well as invite council to meetings or to be a representative at the meeting. If a councillor cannot attend a meeting be sure to share the outcomes, agenda, and minutes of the meeting. Remember that relationships work both ways and the councillors want to share their point of view.

Working effectively with elected official can potentially be every one's job, not just residents of a particular interest group. After all, every resident has the opportunity to vote for a member of council and it is important to know what each council member stands for. When working with council, it really means looking at building relationships in the community and bridging the gaps between stakeholders.

Lasting words to share from the elected officials: "Remember that councillors are just like you with some often tough decisions in front of them."

"I Skateboard AND Vote"

For those of you who know me will realize I am NOT speaking about myself! I noticed the "I skateboard and vote" statement on a bumper sticker while driving in Edmonton. That statement caught my attention because it reflects an important civic responsibility: voting.

There can be some assumptions made that the driver, or at least, the person who stuck the bumper sticker on the car. The person who mounted the sticker may be under 25, but that is not for certain. In any case, a lot can be interpreted about the statement.

Perhaps the driver is sending a message about judgements. How do we judge a skateboarder? Do we think that they don't vote or care about their community because of the leisure activity they participate in? Do we think skateboarders are only young people? If so, does that mean they don't vote? Do we automatically equate youth to not voting?

Maybe the message is to make a stand that leisure for youth is important in communities. Youth skateboarders who pay attention to local politics could help create the stand that leisure is important to quality of life and vibrancy of a community. Youth can be connected to elected officials and share their insights about leisure.

What if the message is about valuing youth more and sharing with youth the importance of voting in elections? Voter turn-out for most age groups is decreasing steadily in Canada and this decrease does not set a positive role model for youth. The bumper sticker statement could be setting a standard for others. The standard could be that while it is important to have a healthy, active lifestyle, it is equally important to take responsibility in the community by voting. A person of any age could get to know their community by attending speaker series at voting time or chatting with elected officials.

Whatever the message the bumper sticker owner is sending it has definitely made an impact. Here I am blogging about the sticker and hundreds of Edmonton drivers have read it and will read it.

A bumper sticker about leisure and voting- at first it seems quite a disconnect, but when dissected I believe the two activities go hand in hand.

What Do You Love About Your Job?

When I interact with people I often like to ask the question "What do you love about your job?" I not only ask my friends, family, and colleagues but also the people who provide specialized services to me. I ask this question because I think it helps me get to know people better. I also learn more about other people's jobs. However, what I have discovered is that often people learn something about themselves when they answer me.

Some people have been so surprised about my question. One person told me that in all his years of work no one had asked him that question. Another person hesitated because she had never thought about it. However, she did answer me in the most thoughtful, meaningful way which showed that she was making some internal connections about her work. Others easily shared a wide range of answers.

I believe a part of leadership skills is being aware of our passions. It is part of that process of self reflection and personal check-in to discover how we are doing. Everyone self reflects in different ways and at different times, but I find it helpful to make the time to do this.

Working with communities I have seen so many people doing what they love: working with people at a community level. The jobs may have different titles, the tasks will be diverse, and the job descriptions or volunteer positions varied. However, it seems that the main focus of the job is helping people increase their quality of life.

What a passion to have: contributing to the quality of life in the community. Those contributions and passions have the opportunity to be powerful in the most positive ways... Keep doing what you love!

The Dog Park

A recently discovered "bumping place" in my community is the dog park. Apparently, it is the place to take your dog to learn to socialize, exercise, and play. Our new puppy, Lupa, loves it as do we- a tired, exercised dog is a happy dog!

It is an interesting culture at the dog park. For the first few weeks we knew the names of the dogs, their breed, age, gender, allergies, idiosyncrasies, and other tidbits of information. However, we didn't know the names of the owners! Over time we did begin to learn the owner's names. Dog owners have a routine of either walking the perimeter with their dog, playing with their dog in the middle of the park, or standing near the entrance to watch the dogs interact. I like to interact in a variety of ways in order to maximize my dog's experience. Now after taking Lupa to the dog park for about three months we are having great conversations about something in common with others: being a dog owner.

Having a dog park as a "bumping place" had never crossed my mind. I initially considered the dog park for just exercising the dog. Now I see it as a place to interact with other dog owners and learn more about dog behaviour. I look forward to our "outings" to the park because it is such a social place, for both humans and dogs.

This particular bumping place is special because the city had the foresight to utilize a piece of property that could never be developed. This foresight met the needs of a particular segment of the population. The park is oval, fenced in, has plenty of parking, and is lighted as a result of the commercial properties surrounding it. This means even after dark dog owners can frequent the park. City planners have recently spoke to dog owners to find out how a dog park can be built even more effectively.

A bumping place in any community is a place to be side-to-side with neighbours and have opportunities to interact. Often these bumping places, or gathering places, will be a place where people share a common interest or have the potential to discover differences. These bumping places can blossom into a chance to develop relationships that may forge into a particular community focus or initiative.

There are many stories in our own communities where these bumping places have brought together a group of people. These connections have often created initiatives, a movement, or a project in a community to make communities an even better place to live.

Take the time to seek out a "bumping place" that fits for you in your community. Or, create one yourself! You will never know what may transpire! After all, it is up to each of us to help contribute and create the quality of life we want in our neighbourhoods.