I have just finished a most incredible book. It is not very often I get really "excited" about a book, but this one really got me stoked.
Quite a few months ago my friend Jon Tupper emailed a copy of Doug Griffiths "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" speech. I was elated to know that there are people that still exist that are truly passionate about community. I felt like someone finally "got it" when it comes to making a community better.
For those that are not aware, 13 Ways was co-written by Wainwright MLA Doug Griffiths and newsman Kelly Clemmer. Together they have written a community changing manual that I think all town councils in Alberta NEED TO READ.
As I read through the book my mind continually drifted to my parents community. They live in the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass. It is a delightful group of towns in south western Alberta close to the BC border. A real gem of a place, I can't help but look forward to each and every visit. Unlike Canmore or Banff, the Crowsnest Pass is full of history and a hike starts at your front door. They have great little shops and very few box type stores. No matter where you go the scenery is breathtaking and there is no shortage of quaint coffee shops. There are all sorts of tours available in the summer at VERY reasonable prices.
The reason my thoughts would continually land here while reading this book is that as a community they have caused death to their community through negative attitudes. They have so much potential to turn themselves into a wonderful place but I strongly feel that the fear of turning into another "Canmore" prevents them from being successful.
To briefly sum up the book here are the 13 ways in a nut shell that you can kill your community.
1. Don't Have Quality Water
2. Don't Attract Business
3. Ignore your Youth
4. Deceive Yourself About Your Real Needs or Values
5. Shop Elsewhere
6. Don't Paint
7. Don't Cooperate
8. Live in the Past
9. Ignore Your Seniors
10. Reject Everything New
11. Ignore Outsiders
12. Become Complacent
13. Don't Take Responsibility
13 Ways to Kill your Community is on Facebook and Twitter. Doug Griffiths travels all over Alberta giving his 13 Way speech. Every way you can kill your community stems from a negative attitude. The whole premise of the book revolves around a community attitude change.
Something we all can use I think. No matter how great your think your community is, there are always ways to make it better. There will always be people that need an attitude change. The beginning of that attitude change begins with you.
If I had to highlight 1 specific community that has ROCKED the positive attitude it would for sure be Fort McMurray. I have NEVER in my whole life met a group of people that work so hard to highlight all of the great things that there community has. It doesn't take long for negativity to bog you down. Think about living in a place that all you ever hear is bashing from outside communities.... only the negative ever makes the news outside of that community.... that's what community members deal with every day in Fort McMurray. I love reading blogs, tweets, facebook updates about Fort McMurray because they are always full of pride and community spirit. Way to go!!! If you want a top notch example of community pride you need to make the trek up north and experience the "Energy" that is Fort McMurray.
I picked up my copy of 13 Ways at Sunworks in downtown Red Deer. I think I'm going to go buy a bunch and mail them to a few mayor and councils of communities that need some help. And why not?? We all want to be proud to call our place of residence home.
Now go get your copy!!
