The State of Our Union
Last weekend I was invited to attend a community State of the Union event. I wasn’t asked because I was an elected official, but more importantly I was invited because I was a member of the community, a tax payer, and a stakeholder in my city. We often get caught up in our daily lives that we forget about our neighbors and surrounding area. It was a nice opportunity to come together as one for a common goal: to make our community better.
Several years ago the taxing bodies (such as school, township, fire, police, library and parks) formed a committee in the effort to determine where the groups could potentially work together to help each other. I’m happy to report the group still exists and is only getting stronger with each passing year.
One dictionary described teamwork as “a cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause.” The taxing bodies have formed true partnerships that assist in working together with more ease and less stress. Building personal relationships have been instrumental in the success of the group, creating teamwork at the core.
When deciding to write this blog post I wanted to do a little research on communities where taxing bodies worked together and sadly I couldn’t find a single example. The entities often become siloed from each other; only thinking of their own needs. It was refreshing to know that my community has been thinking outside the silos and collaborating as a whole. Everything has not been perfect but the effort these groups are putting forth has shown the community they care.
Teamwork includes:
Make communication a two-way street
Set clear goals
Know who’s responsible for what
Talk over disputes with kindness and compassion
Listen to ideas and possible solutions
Create a culture that supports collaboration
Ask for feedback
Talk less and listen more
I had no expectations of how many people would attend but when I walked into the room there were tables upon tables filled with people. At one point they announced there were more than 100 community members, and they kept coming. The program opened with the School Superintendent and the Mayor talking about their own passion and love for the community. Then members of the bodies spoke about the improvements completed and the visions for tomorrow.
After the presentation was finished there was a chance for every person’s voice to be heard. Each table was being facilitated by a member of the taxing bodies or an elected official. Round table discussions began based on simple questions of making the community better. The taxing bodies were looking for new ideas and solutions. One woman at my table was from a neighboring area and was excited to take the information and ideas back to her town.
The state of our union may have been different or similar from many communities over the United States. Safety, fiscal demands, education, programing for youth and adults, infrastructure and crime were some of the topics at the table, and I’m guessing most rank high in cities across the land. We all want better for our families, communities and the world. Think of one small thing you can do in your community. It may be as simple as reaching out to a neighbor. Everything matters.
xoxox…..Sheryl