Many of you have driven through my home town of Ft. Stockton, Texas. You pretty much have to if you're driving across the Southern part of the Country.  You'll stop for a meal and a fill-up and a stretch break. And going or coming, you'll pass the giant Roadrunner statue on the main drag. This photo captures my son Clayton and my above-average grandchildren on a recent West Texas adventure.

The song title is "Too much talk, not enough action." And I, not a man of few words, have got to remind myself and you readers that we've got a challenge. To make some significant contributions to our communities. The reality and rhetoric of these political campaigns is an often painful reminder of our "opportunities." Our responses can take many forms. It just can't be business as usual. We've lost confidence in many of our institutions. Too many of us are not sufficiently engaged. We see and experience the results. Let's see how we might do better. We're worth it. Our children's future most certainly is.

It was fun to observe the roadrunners on my West Texas horseback rides. They'd dart, stop on a dime, stand regally for a moment, consider their next move and be off. They could catch an insect, lizard or neutralize a snake in the blink of an eye. Highly efficient whirling dervishes. 

It's time for us to spring into action. Thoughtfully, just as deliberately as the roadrunner, but in slower motion. So we'll minimize the stumpage of toes, egos and relationships as we move ahead.  The Mosey Principles remind us to Slow Down, Pay Attention, Be Informed and Act Accordingly. Let's note the application of these suggestions as we consider...

*Collaboration   *Civil Discourse  *Civic Engagement  *Constructive Community Building

We each have different gifts, networks, levels of experience and interest and spheres of influence. Here are some categorized areas of community engagement opportunity. Many of you are already involved, some providing leadership. I salute you. Many, however, have more time, heart, experience and other resources to share. And just need a prompt. See if this helps. We're all in this together. Thankfully.

Community Engagement...How're We Doing?

Let's honestly assess our level of civic engagement, to see how we might raise our game and make our communities the best they can be. This ain't rocket science, just honest reflection. Or discussion with family, neighbors, work colleagues, faith partners and non-profit associates. Answer these questions, and others you'll pose as you confront that friend in the mirror.

Relative to the key issues of my neighborhood and community.....

--Would you like to make a significant contribution in time, talent and resources?

--Are you effective, or just busy?

--Are you a good community role model for your family and others?

--Are there good accountability (measurable results) components to these community       efforts?

--Would collaboration make us more impactful?

You get the drift......You'll know, intuit or learn....

Getting Organized...Leveraging Your Resources

In Your Home and Neighborhood

--How can you, your family and neighbors be catalysts for change?

--Get to know your neighbors. And your first responders.

--Organize a Neighborhood Watch Program.

--Turn off the electronics and have good conversations at mealtime.

--Get a "Turquoise Table"( Google it) for your yard, school or neighborhood.

--Identify latchkey kids and the elderly in the hood. Act accordingly.

--Consider volunteering at your neighborhood school.

--What are your schools doing to promote civic engagement, civility and diversity?

--Highlight community issues and recognize volunteer leaders in newsletters.

--Do you know your City/County reps? Your school board reps? Your legislative reps?

--Organize periodic neighborhood socials. Invite first responders.

--Emphasize civility, creative problem solving and inclusion. Everywhere.

Just a few. You'll come up with many more. Thanks in advance!

Business and Faith-based Organizations

--Is your business/employer effectively engaged in the community that influences the success and lifestyle of its employees?

-- Are your faith-based organizations turning faith into action?

--Are you organized to respond to community requests?

--Do you have a community affairs/outreach committee?

--Do you have appointed staff or volunteers as community point persons?

--Do you have policies/practices to address charity funding/volunteer requests?

--Do you have civic engagement bulletin boards/newsletters to highlight major community issues, post volunteer opportunities, recognize outstanding volunteers?

-- Has organizational leadership endorsed the importance of civic engagement? From the pulpit....at staff meetings?

--How about voter registration?

-- Just a start. You'll think of many others, and there are lots of folks throughout the community ready to help.

Our Non-Profit Organizations

The lifeblood of our communities. Often our best opportunity to address important issues.

--Can we honestly say that our non-profit affiliations are making a significant impact? By what standards and measurement?

--Do they have effective Boards, successful development and outreach programs?

--Are staff leaders effective? Are they paid fairly for their contribution?

--Are there effective, WORKING sub-committees of the Board?

--Would an organizational audit/boost from a consultant (like Austin's Mission Capital) be appropriate?

Again, just a start. You folks in the trenches will know how to make a difference. What can YOU do to impact positive change? How about it?

Government.....We The People.....Most Important

Wanted to at least make mention so you'd know I think it's important. I think it's so important that I'll make that my next theme.

IN MOSEY CONCLUSION....

Thanks for reading and joining me on this Mosey adventure. If any of these themes resonate with you, share them with your family, friends and network. LET'S MOSEY!