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!