Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Kitchen Table Talks
Last night I had the opportunity to work with ReThink Red Deer (http://www.rethinkreddeer.ca/) in coordinating and facilitating the first ever "Kitchen Table Talks" Election Forum.
This was no regular candidates forum. Instead of the usual panel / debate, yes and no questioning that is typical of an election forum ReThink Red Deer came up with a new and innovative way to engage citizens and candidates.
I met with Lorne Daniel several weeks ago to figure out what this event might look like and for a first time I must say I was pretty impressed at the outcome of the evening. Although I have seen this format used for other purposes I have never seen it used in this capacity. It was an amazing way for candidates to really hear what people think. The Advocate did a great piece on the event. The link is posted above....
Regardless of the topic that each table had to discuss, I noticed that the common thread that each facilitator shared at the end of the evening was that there is a strong need to come up with new and innovative ways to engage the public. Not just because it's part of policy but because citizens need to be engaged ... not just sometime.. but ALL THE TIME. Open houses are not effective anymore. I know it's cliche to say but people are too busy and evenings are not good for anyone with a family.
It was great to be apart of an "innovative" way to engage people of all ages in who they should elect for Red Deer's next council. Facilitation is my passion so to be apart of something like this was a no brainer... mix in my love of politics and the political process I was happier than a pig in..... well you know. Not only did I get to facilitate, I got to meet some amazing voters and candidates and that has helped me to figure out who I will vote for and who I will NOT be voting for. So far I have settled on 5 candidates that I am confident on voting for but still need to do a little more research to get 3 more.
A big thanks to everyone that participated in Election ReThink and I look forward to seeing you all on Oct. 18.
This was no regular candidates forum. Instead of the usual panel / debate, yes and no questioning that is typical of an election forum ReThink Red Deer came up with a new and innovative way to engage citizens and candidates.
I met with Lorne Daniel several weeks ago to figure out what this event might look like and for a first time I must say I was pretty impressed at the outcome of the evening. Although I have seen this format used for other purposes I have never seen it used in this capacity. It was an amazing way for candidates to really hear what people think. The Advocate did a great piece on the event. The link is posted above....
Regardless of the topic that each table had to discuss, I noticed that the common thread that each facilitator shared at the end of the evening was that there is a strong need to come up with new and innovative ways to engage the public. Not just because it's part of policy but because citizens need to be engaged ... not just sometime.. but ALL THE TIME. Open houses are not effective anymore. I know it's cliche to say but people are too busy and evenings are not good for anyone with a family.
It was great to be apart of an "innovative" way to engage people of all ages in who they should elect for Red Deer's next council. Facilitation is my passion so to be apart of something like this was a no brainer... mix in my love of politics and the political process I was happier than a pig in..... well you know. Not only did I get to facilitate, I got to meet some amazing voters and candidates and that has helped me to figure out who I will vote for and who I will NOT be voting for. So far I have settled on 5 candidates that I am confident on voting for but still need to do a little more research to get 3 more.
A big thanks to everyone that participated in Election ReThink and I look forward to seeing you all on Oct. 18.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Voter Turnout
Elections are just over a month away. I love fall elections... it's interesting to see the new faces who are running first time campaigns. They tend to be the ones you see out and about.
One candidate I spoke with mentioned that we need to increase voter turnout. I couldn't agree more. With a voter turnout rate of 22% it is a clear indication to me that what has worked in the past regarding voting and campaigns ISN'T WORKING ANYMORE.
The perception is that the larger the signage the higher your votes will be. Not the case. We can all agree that engagement is an issue. We need the votes... but the voters can't be bothered. Why is that?? Well, I have a pretty good idea why. We are not relating or communicating in a way that is conducive to a younger generational response. I commend those that week after week are at the public market. But you are only being exposed to a small amount of our population.
Here's a thought, If you want higher voter turn out.... and you WANT a younger demographic taking interest in municipal politics then perhaps you need to engage in a younger way. Here are a few ways you can do that.
Location, Location, Location
Ok I sounded like a realtor for a minute there. But seriously. Where does the 18-30 year olds hang out? Where do teens hang out?? The mall, movies, pubs, bars, high schools, RDC???. Perhaps these are not usual places to campaign but if you want to influence a generation you need to be and go where they are.
What do you wear?
Here's a little secret... if you "dress" better than teens and young adults, they think that you think you are better than them. If you choose to go to these non traditional venues then perhaps jeans and a hoodie would be more fitting. I ran a youth centre in Fort McMurray and always dressed the same as the kids did. It would often be a surprise to the business folk if they asked for the manager or executive director... but I didn't care. My role was to support teens and to do that I had to dress and talk at their level.
Speaking of talk... young people want plain English. "How's it goin'?" Talk TO them not AT them. Don't ask them what they think the issues are.. ask them"What pisses you off about our city?" or "What do you love about living here?" Keep it casual and real. Young people can smell bull shit a mile away.
Social Media
This is the way that our younger generation communicates. Do you have a Facebook page?? Great if you do and if you don't ... well that's sad for you. Things like Facebook are so critical in youth engagement. Keep in mind that if you do not interact with your "friends" regularly then you really are wasting every ones time. Twitter is great for getting your message out. It tends to be a little bit of an older demographic that uses twitter (more over the age of 25) but it's instant and a great way to keep people engaged with your campaign. You Tube is another great tool. Creating short videos and sharing them on your Facebook, twitter or website is a great way to get your message out.
Campaign Team
Just one thought here. How many young people do you have as part of your campaign team? A campaign needs to be balanced. Without a few young people, you will quickly get tunnel vision. You need that younger perspective.
Be Available
If you do not currently welcome open conversation anytime someone has a question for you then you have not only lost their vote but in a young persons mind they are going to say forget this voting thing. Plain and simple
So to wrap this all up. I wanted to provide you with some dates and locations of forums and other means to connect with our candidates. Take advantage of these candidates and call or email them your questions or concerns. How they respond will be a good indication of their commitment to their jobs.
A great website to research the different candidates http://www.electionforum.ca/
There will be an Election Forum put on by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
Oct 7 at The Red Deer Lodge from 7-9
http://www.reddeerchamber.com/ and click on events
ReThink Red Deer is hosting Election ReThink at RDC on Sept. 28 from 6:30 - 9.
"Kitchen Table Talks" are designed to go beyond the one sentence or yes or no answers to a more in depth understanding of election issues.
www.rethinkreddeer.ca/events for all the details.
One candidate I spoke with mentioned that we need to increase voter turnout. I couldn't agree more. With a voter turnout rate of 22% it is a clear indication to me that what has worked in the past regarding voting and campaigns ISN'T WORKING ANYMORE.
The perception is that the larger the signage the higher your votes will be. Not the case. We can all agree that engagement is an issue. We need the votes... but the voters can't be bothered. Why is that?? Well, I have a pretty good idea why. We are not relating or communicating in a way that is conducive to a younger generational response. I commend those that week after week are at the public market. But you are only being exposed to a small amount of our population.
Here's a thought, If you want higher voter turn out.... and you WANT a younger demographic taking interest in municipal politics then perhaps you need to engage in a younger way. Here are a few ways you can do that.
Location, Location, Location
Ok I sounded like a realtor for a minute there. But seriously. Where does the 18-30 year olds hang out? Where do teens hang out?? The mall, movies, pubs, bars, high schools, RDC???. Perhaps these are not usual places to campaign but if you want to influence a generation you need to be and go where they are.
What do you wear?
Here's a little secret... if you "dress" better than teens and young adults, they think that you think you are better than them. If you choose to go to these non traditional venues then perhaps jeans and a hoodie would be more fitting. I ran a youth centre in Fort McMurray and always dressed the same as the kids did. It would often be a surprise to the business folk if they asked for the manager or executive director... but I didn't care. My role was to support teens and to do that I had to dress and talk at their level.
Speaking of talk... young people want plain English. "How's it goin'?" Talk TO them not AT them. Don't ask them what they think the issues are.. ask them"What pisses you off about our city?" or "What do you love about living here?" Keep it casual and real. Young people can smell bull shit a mile away.
Social Media
This is the way that our younger generation communicates. Do you have a Facebook page?? Great if you do and if you don't ... well that's sad for you. Things like Facebook are so critical in youth engagement. Keep in mind that if you do not interact with your "friends" regularly then you really are wasting every ones time. Twitter is great for getting your message out. It tends to be a little bit of an older demographic that uses twitter (more over the age of 25) but it's instant and a great way to keep people engaged with your campaign. You Tube is another great tool. Creating short videos and sharing them on your Facebook, twitter or website is a great way to get your message out.
Campaign Team
Just one thought here. How many young people do you have as part of your campaign team? A campaign needs to be balanced. Without a few young people, you will quickly get tunnel vision. You need that younger perspective.
Be Available
If you do not currently welcome open conversation anytime someone has a question for you then you have not only lost their vote but in a young persons mind they are going to say forget this voting thing. Plain and simple
So to wrap this all up. I wanted to provide you with some dates and locations of forums and other means to connect with our candidates. Take advantage of these candidates and call or email them your questions or concerns. How they respond will be a good indication of their commitment to their jobs.
A great website to research the different candidates http://www.electionforum.ca/
There will be an Election Forum put on by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
Oct 7 at The Red Deer Lodge from 7-9
http://www.reddeerchamber.com/ and click on events
ReThink Red Deer is hosting Election ReThink at RDC on Sept. 28 from 6:30 - 9.
"Kitchen Table Talks" are designed to go beyond the one sentence or yes or no answers to a more in depth understanding of election issues.
www.rethinkreddeer.ca/events for all the details.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Bring the 80's back
Another interesting day it has been. I got a call from my daughter this morning who was completely frantic. Someone in her middle school created a Facebook account using her name and sent out a bunch of messages to her friends telling them to meet her at her locker. She showed up to school with all her friends around her locker wondering what she wanted.
This would be fine and dandy but she does not have a Facebook account. Now I know your first though might be that "maybe she has an account and you do not know about it" .. well that is not the case in this situation. On a side note, I learned this morning that by law you need to be at least 13 to have a Facebook account. My daughter is 11 and almost the only person in her circle of friends that does not have a Facebook profile.
While dealing with this situation this morning I was listening to CBC radio with Jian Ghomeshi speaking with a lady about marketing to children. So the Facebook situation and the CBC radio show collided and I am at my computer "telling you how I really feel".
I am a kid of the 80's. We played outside every day. We had to walk to school. There were no cell phones, Internet.... as far as video games were concerned we had a sega that we played once in a blue moon. We had to eat healthy meals and got a spank if we talked back to our parents. We were not over weight and could occupy ourselves for hours with very little.
Fast forward to today. Where is this generations parents? Did you know you that you have kids? Do you know what they look at online? Why do they dictate what you buy and what you do?
We as a society have created a "monster" generation of kids that feel entitled to everything that we as adults have worked so hard for. Kids have no consequences to their actions anymore. Parents make excuses for and defend their children to avoid getting in trouble.We stand back and are baffled when our "adult" children are still living at home with maybe a job...or not.
My kids do not have cell phones. (and won't unless they can pay for them). They do not have free reign in my home. TV and computers are for the weekends only unless it involves homework. We have just gotten given to us an original xbox that my brother was going to throw away and the kids can play that.... but on the weekends only. My kids are NOT overweight. We teach them everyday the importance of face to face relationships and communication. (not through emails or texting) We keep the kids active but not so busy that they don't have time to think about their future and we are actively involved in every aspect of their lives.
Talks about sex, drug, dating and the like are regular topics at our house. ("Awkward converation mom..") Our kids share with us the "nothing" stuff about their day and when the "something" comes up.... they know we are right there to give solid advice and support.
I need to give (it is my JOB to give) my kids the tools that they need to be successful independent adults. That won't happen if I do not engage in conversation with them, give them everything they ask for, and do everything for them. Sure it's an up hill battle (what kids actually "wants" to clean their room and do chores). As my mother said to me back in the day "You'll thank me for this someday" I am now saying to my mom "Thank You".
I'm not anti media. I in fact am a self proclaimed social media junky. I love facebook and twitter and I see the value in it everyday. But it's about balance. Make the important things priority. It's never to late to change the way you do things. I am always thinking back to when I was the age of my kids to remember and to relate and do things the way they were done when the world made sense. Recently someone said to me after I shared our TV policy "Wow, your a parent of the 80's" Well, I guess I am.... I'll take that as a compliment.
This would be fine and dandy but she does not have a Facebook account. Now I know your first though might be that "maybe she has an account and you do not know about it" .. well that is not the case in this situation. On a side note, I learned this morning that by law you need to be at least 13 to have a Facebook account. My daughter is 11 and almost the only person in her circle of friends that does not have a Facebook profile.
While dealing with this situation this morning I was listening to CBC radio with Jian Ghomeshi speaking with a lady about marketing to children. So the Facebook situation and the CBC radio show collided and I am at my computer "telling you how I really feel".
I am a kid of the 80's. We played outside every day. We had to walk to school. There were no cell phones, Internet.... as far as video games were concerned we had a sega that we played once in a blue moon. We had to eat healthy meals and got a spank if we talked back to our parents. We were not over weight and could occupy ourselves for hours with very little.
Fast forward to today. Where is this generations parents? Did you know you that you have kids? Do you know what they look at online? Why do they dictate what you buy and what you do?
We as a society have created a "monster" generation of kids that feel entitled to everything that we as adults have worked so hard for. Kids have no consequences to their actions anymore. Parents make excuses for and defend their children to avoid getting in trouble.We stand back and are baffled when our "adult" children are still living at home with maybe a job...or not.
My kids do not have cell phones. (and won't unless they can pay for them). They do not have free reign in my home. TV and computers are for the weekends only unless it involves homework. We have just gotten given to us an original xbox that my brother was going to throw away and the kids can play that.... but on the weekends only. My kids are NOT overweight. We teach them everyday the importance of face to face relationships and communication. (not through emails or texting) We keep the kids active but not so busy that they don't have time to think about their future and we are actively involved in every aspect of their lives.
Talks about sex, drug, dating and the like are regular topics at our house. ("Awkward converation mom..") Our kids share with us the "nothing" stuff about their day and when the "something" comes up.... they know we are right there to give solid advice and support.
I need to give (it is my JOB to give) my kids the tools that they need to be successful independent adults. That won't happen if I do not engage in conversation with them, give them everything they ask for, and do everything for them. Sure it's an up hill battle (what kids actually "wants" to clean their room and do chores). As my mother said to me back in the day "You'll thank me for this someday" I am now saying to my mom "Thank You".
I'm not anti media. I in fact am a self proclaimed social media junky. I love facebook and twitter and I see the value in it everyday. But it's about balance. Make the important things priority. It's never to late to change the way you do things. I am always thinking back to when I was the age of my kids to remember and to relate and do things the way they were done when the world made sense. Recently someone said to me after I shared our TV policy "Wow, your a parent of the 80's" Well, I guess I am.... I'll take that as a compliment.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Why Work Sucks
A couple days ago I had lunch with some folks from a local marketing company. I had met them at a local tweetup (twitter users face to face networking get together) and it seemed that we really hit if off. Anyway, .... we met at a local coffee house for lunch and instantly I noticed the office dynamics of these two individuals.
It clearly wasn't a formal "boss / employee" relationship. Almost like 2 adults who respect the fact that they are adults... but almost like brother and sister. (They each ordered something different so they could share. I have since learned that is the rule if you go out to eat with them... you have to order something different and share what you have. )
Throughout lunch we had a great conversation about a variety of topics including restaurants (I just had a bad experience at a local restaurant), work enviroments and dynamics.
I have rarely heard people speak about "loving work" but although it was not said... you could tell that something is working very well at that office.
Before I left the office the big cheese over there gave me a book. It's called "Why Work Sucks and How to Fix it" We chatted about the book for a few minutes and I left.
The last couple of nights I have been reading this book and it's almost as if someone took my own thoughts and views and wrote a book for me... really, I should be taking credit for this book because I have had exactly the same thoughts for atleast the last 5 years...
The thought process with this book is very interesting and I would say controversial to an extent but makes so much sense....The book is based on the "Results Only Work Environment (google it if you need too) Here is a quote or two for you to ponder:
"This new way of living is based on the radical idea that you are an adult. It is based on the radical idea that even though you owe your company your best work, you do not owe them your time or your life" (page 3)
"In a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) people can do whatever they want, whenever they want, as long as the work gets done" (also page 3)
"You get paid for a chunk of work not a chunk of time" (page 4)
There are TONS of golden nuggets of info that I am just captivated by... It may seem outlandish but I truely believe that it is possible to run a business using this principal . The truth is the guy that gave me this book?? He runs his business based on many of these principals, and from the outside looking in it sure looks like a happy crew over there who love their jobs and have the flexibility to actually have a life.
So in saying all this, I think I might just move in there just to feed off the energy that these happy people have created. Got an extra chair??
It clearly wasn't a formal "boss / employee" relationship. Almost like 2 adults who respect the fact that they are adults... but almost like brother and sister. (They each ordered something different so they could share. I have since learned that is the rule if you go out to eat with them... you have to order something different and share what you have. )
Throughout lunch we had a great conversation about a variety of topics including restaurants (I just had a bad experience at a local restaurant), work enviroments and dynamics.
I have rarely heard people speak about "loving work" but although it was not said... you could tell that something is working very well at that office.
Before I left the office the big cheese over there gave me a book. It's called "Why Work Sucks and How to Fix it" We chatted about the book for a few minutes and I left.
The last couple of nights I have been reading this book and it's almost as if someone took my own thoughts and views and wrote a book for me... really, I should be taking credit for this book because I have had exactly the same thoughts for atleast the last 5 years...
The thought process with this book is very interesting and I would say controversial to an extent but makes so much sense....The book is based on the "Results Only Work Environment (google it if you need too) Here is a quote or two for you to ponder:
"This new way of living is based on the radical idea that you are an adult. It is based on the radical idea that even though you owe your company your best work, you do not owe them your time or your life" (page 3)
"In a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) people can do whatever they want, whenever they want, as long as the work gets done" (also page 3)
"You get paid for a chunk of work not a chunk of time" (page 4)
There are TONS of golden nuggets of info that I am just captivated by... It may seem outlandish but I truely believe that it is possible to run a business using this principal . The truth is the guy that gave me this book?? He runs his business based on many of these principals, and from the outside looking in it sure looks like a happy crew over there who love their jobs and have the flexibility to actually have a life.
So in saying all this, I think I might just move in there just to feed off the energy that these happy people have created. Got an extra chair??
Monday, September 6, 2010
A Leap of Faith
After a rather long hiatus from blogging, the fall is here and with my favourite season comes routine. Back into the swing of things. Back to school (yay!!!), activities, and time for fitness for me. I'd love to say that I'm one of those amazing people that sticks to a rigorous fitness routine, sadly I am not. Although with kids in school I am excited to get back into my running routine and also boot camp. Wish me luck on that one.
I took 3 months off work to focus on me and my family for a bit and get back some of that balance that was lacking prior to taking time off. Before leaving my job I carefully considered whether or not we could financially handle me taking time off and what my options in the fall would be.
Now anyone that knows me for more than 5 minutes knows that I'm a talker. Perhaps it's a bit of my outgoing personality or perhaps I really enjoy meeting people. Either way it's my strength and my weakness. (all my past school report cards could attest to that)
For the last 5 years I have had such a deep desire to "do what I love" and start my own business. I love communications, public affairs, facilitation, presenting, media you name it.
Though loads of past experience I have developed these skills and abilities and will go as far as saying they are my talents. Another passion I have is self improvement. I have more books than I can count on all different areas (so many so that I have had to create a system for loaning as may of my books were out and missing at times) and topics and have read them all more than once.
I have finally decided (after much prompting by my family and peers) to take a leap of faith and get the ball rolling. Last week I became a certified Level 1 Facilitator for a tool called "Personality Dimensions". ( http://www.personalitydimensions.com/) This is a tool that I have used for 6 years now personally and loved it so much that I decided to obtain certification and share this valuable tool with Central Alberta. By doing so I can combine both of my passions and maintain a great work life balance.
Wish me luck.
I took 3 months off work to focus on me and my family for a bit and get back some of that balance that was lacking prior to taking time off. Before leaving my job I carefully considered whether or not we could financially handle me taking time off and what my options in the fall would be.
Now anyone that knows me for more than 5 minutes knows that I'm a talker. Perhaps it's a bit of my outgoing personality or perhaps I really enjoy meeting people. Either way it's my strength and my weakness. (all my past school report cards could attest to that)
For the last 5 years I have had such a deep desire to "do what I love" and start my own business. I love communications, public affairs, facilitation, presenting, media you name it.
Though loads of past experience I have developed these skills and abilities and will go as far as saying they are my talents. Another passion I have is self improvement. I have more books than I can count on all different areas (so many so that I have had to create a system for loaning as may of my books were out and missing at times) and topics and have read them all more than once.
I have finally decided (after much prompting by my family and peers) to take a leap of faith and get the ball rolling. Last week I became a certified Level 1 Facilitator for a tool called "Personality Dimensions". ( http://www.personalitydimensions.com/) This is a tool that I have used for 6 years now personally and loved it so much that I decided to obtain certification and share this valuable tool with Central Alberta. By doing so I can combine both of my passions and maintain a great work life balance.
Wish me luck.
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