NOTE: Change happens painfully slowly, so… a few more posts while planning for the new facelift continues…
I’ve just returned from four amazing, transformative days of training right here in my own community.
Of the 100 folks involved, about 75 were locals; people who are my friends, acquaintances and associates. The work was directed to our personal and business growth, and to focusing on community in ways that will bring about positive change.
In a region with a population of less than 25,000 people, to have 75 make a deep personal commitment to their own well-being and to the well-being of their communities is huge.
How this will manifest locally will unfold as each of us finds our voice and direction. For me, my commitment to continuing to speak on this blog to the strengths and needs of small towns has been renewed.
How can this happen in communities without two world-class personal and business development trainers? Through your services clubs, your churches and your school and business groups. These are the places where we get together and focus on the good things: birthdays, business successes, celebrations, work well done. And there is where the good work of a small town is done: festivals, town-wide projects, service to those in need.
Another thing I learned over the 4 days is the value of stopping DOING for a short while and just BEING.
Being with friends and acquaintances.
Being with your problems and successes.
Being with your dreams.
Being willing to risk sharing some of yourself in new ways.
Being ready to put the past behind you and your town and be willing to create a new positive future together.
I returned from the 4 days with the realization that the training was over and the work is just beginning. I’m exhilarated.
FYI, our trainers, Doug Carter and John Cunningham, developed this program through their company, EnCompass Resources. Read more at their home page. Substituting “town” or “community” for “company” or “business” and “residents” or “townspeople” for “employees” and you’ll get a feel for what’s ahead for southern Siskiyou County, CA, USA.
People who know of John and Doug’s work came from all over the US – those other 25 people. They’re sending others from their towns for the trainings in February and spring (Yes! There will be more!).
Let me know if you’d like more information about attending these yourself – their “corporate rate” doesn’t apply for these community-building efforts.
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