Communities in Peril…
We all know that the economy in North America and, for that matter the world, is in deep recession. As a result this has created great turmoil within communities! Businesses have closed their doors. 1000’s of people have been laid off or worse, lost their jobs. Municipality revenues are lower and they are reducing services. People within the communities are becoming more depressed and despondent as time goes on; their self esteem is much lower! Where does it all stop? Even community minded volunteers are starting to have self doubts. Their groups are looking at cutting back or disappearing altogether! All of these negative thoughts feed on one another! However, history shows us that if we can reverse these trends and thoughts that just the opposite will happen! Positive thoughts and actions will create new opportunities! This is where citizen groups can really make a difference! Rather than pulling back or giving up, these groups should move forward with enthusiasm and hope! By their leadership, others will follow! If you run a great event, it will attract others! Success will build on success! I remember a story about a small logging town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The major employer decided to pull out of the town. The town’s people were devastated! However, instead of giving up, they rallied together to see how they could save their community.

They developed a survival plan and strategy. With the help of a small government development grant, they hired artists to paint murals on side of several town buildings. Each mural depicted the town’s heritage. They needed to attract people to visit the town and see the murals, so they asked the artists to paint one anomaly in each mural. They offered a prize to the first person to identify all of the anomalies. The promotion and murals worked! As a result visitors from all over the world came to the small town! The town is now one of the most successful tourist areas in Canada. It continues to grow and prosper. So much so that when the logging company wanted to come back, the town’s people said no! Now the town not only attracts visitors but it attracts investment and wealth, all because there were a few farsighted individuals who wouldn’t give up! It’s a great story and one that should inspire any community facing hardships! Your community does not have to wither up and die! It just needs a few individuals with spirit, determination and imagination to lead the way, to make a difference!
By the way, click to find out more about the “Little Town That Did –Chemainus”.