As the youngest of four in my family, I was always around older people. I often heard the term “In my day….”, followed by a statement of how much better it was, how people had integrity and support, and helped their neighbors or fellow community members out. As a young person I would roll my eyes and think, “Oh yeah, was that much better? I mean you didn’t even have computers Uncle Bob? Today I am getting to that age where I hear myself saying “It’s not like it used to be”. I also hear my friends who have children and even adult children saying these similar things.
For me these statements are not just about materialistic stuff, the price of gas or the cost of living. They are about community issues that could be solved with some support, growth, learning, and action. I truly believe that communities can be completely self-sufficient. Personally, I would like to participate in a movement that helps bring light to the very issues that people in communities often face. Change the dynamic and belief that they are simply not there for each other the same they were “Back in the day” so to speak. The problems we have in communities are often slid under the neighborhood rug — who has time, who has the resources? Wait! What if there was a great dynamic community resource that could organize community-based competitions to enable viable solutions that address local challenges. A resource that brings together various stakeholders and funders to help support and scale impactful solutions.
What if communities had an all-inclusive resource that was driven by social innovation through boundless curiosity. One that is determined to foster the power of unique talents and perspectives from all backgrounds to create better solutions. A resource that sought collaborative impact, transparency and strived to engage and empower members to enhance their communities? Wait that sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Well good news! There is a resource just like this, growing like a snowball and developing some speed — and it might very well be heading towards your community in the near future. Recently, I was asked to get involved with SolveCC.org by a friend who is filled with great ideas and puts her actions where her mouth is. I am excited because I have witnessed many of her ideas not only seed, but grow, get watered and bear fruit for years to come. Yes, I raised my hand and said yes to SolveCC. Not just because I have deep faith and trust in the founder’s idea, also because I believe in everything it stands for. A brighter future for all. #Awesome
I am going to steal from the SolveCC stated promise to the communities it serves. SolveCC is here to help shape communities where your voices are heard, you are given opportunities to empower yourselves, you can collaborate with your peers, you have access to skilled mentors, as you solve the most pressing challenges in your community. SolveCC does its upmost best to make sure that everyone who applies gets value out of the experience, whether it be visibility, mentorship, advice, or connections.
The definition of the word Community in the Oxford Dictionary is “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common”; with SolveCC that characteristic would be a problem or an issue you want to change.
Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and the Author of the book “Unlock the MAGIC of Story”
