Influencing positive change
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- Published on Wednesday, July 29, 2015
By Vern May
Minnedosa & Area Community Development Corporation
Don’t touch that! Mind your manners. Look both ways before you cross the street. Think about how many times you’ve had to repeat these instructions in order to influence habit-forming positive behaviour. Dozens, probably hundreds of times, in different situations and contexts, I suspect. With any luck, after a few years you start to see the results you were hoping for.
Consider that as a parent or teacher, you’re working with a growing, open mind that is highly trainable and the timeline to influence lasting change takes years. Do you care to venture any guesses how long it will take to create change in adult minds that have developed their own set theories and habits over time?
Certainly, we have the benefit of logic and reason and we can get their attention by illustrating the potential benefits to the individuals themselves. But making the wheels turn won’t happen overnight. The mission to motivate individuals and community is an ever-evolving work in progress.
I am reminded of a quote from motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar: “People say motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Where we want to go as a community requires a steady and constant focus, creating measurable and realistic benchmarks and regular assessment of our strategy along the way. We need to break down organizational barriers to explore opportunities to work together to our mutual benefit and empower each other to always drive forward.
Through regular visibility in multiple community newspapers, an active presence on social media, attendance at a variety of committee and board meetings, one-on-one consultations with citizens and merchants, and staying in touch through email, Minnedosa & Area CDC office is engaged daily in the cause for the Town of Minnedosa, RM of Minto-Odanah and LUD of Rapid City (as well as our regional collaboration partners).But this isn’t a solo effort. We can’t speak FOR you until we speak TO you. Every voice is equal in this community and only yours can speak to the causes and concerns that matter most to you. I invite you to share them with me so we can create positive change that matters.
Let’s continue the conversation and explore the possibilities that exist; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 204-867-3885. The best things around that I have ever seen, came from small towns and big dreams.
