The term “First Responders” came into indelible relevance after the 9-11 tragedies, as we watched the media saturation of EMS, Fire, Police and other community heroes who served in time of great need. And now, after Hurricane Harvey and the considerable current East Coast challenges, we’re again focused on the importance of our First Responders. I’ve found this to be a great metaphor for our broader challenge of rebuilding our frayed community infrastructure, frayed due to governmental neglect at many levels. It seems that we can give our communities a boost if more of us adopt a “First Responder” mindset and practice. Come join me and see what you think.
Read moreJohn McCain’s passing gives us a great opportunity to re-set our thinking about effective civic engagement. McCain was passionate about getting things done, moving debates to solutions. Our governmental paralysis requires that WE THE PEOPLE rethink our roles as voters, volunteers and political supporters. We talk issues to death without creating/implementing solutions. Incorporating “What Do We Do Monday?” into our deliberations may change the civic momentum. Come join me and consider how McCain might influence our progress.
Read moreOur communities need a boost. Too many folks have been left out of the workforce pipeline, students are discouraged as to job opportunities, and we’re focusing too much energy on Washington and our state capitols to bring us solutions. Community health is directly related to education and economic opportunity. We all have a vested interest in boosting more citizens up the ladder of independence and success. Come join me as I pose some suggestions to help with this challenge.
Read moreThe governmental chaos and incompetence of the past 19 months is a catalyst for a major increase in civic activism. Especially with Women, Minorities and Students. There are issue concerns for all of us, and emerging organizations to address them. Volunteer energy, collaborative structures and creative philanthropy complement these efforts. We’ll all win in the process. WE are the “they.” TOGETHER…
Read moreSuicides are uncomfortable topics, with which we all have to deal from time to time. The recent high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain force us to pay attention to the causes and effects of suicide on us and our various communities. Suicides are as complex as life itself. Join me as I pose some considerations for our families, friends and communities. Help is on the way. We can be the They.
Read moreI’m a multi-generation Texan and an Independent voter. Too many of us have been mislead by political rhetoric and calculated manipulative psychology. At the State and National levels. We can be easily lulled into a false sense of security that progress is moving as it should, until we take the time to do our homework, dig below the scrolling news surface and better inform ourselves. Once we’re better informed, we can take those “pesky facts” and influence more productive conversations with family and friends. Trust-building and collaborative partnerships will then make a huge difference in our civic engagement effectiveness. Come see what you think. LET’S MOSEY!
Read moreToday is Eeyore’s Birthday. He’s perpetually sad and downtrodden, as many of us have felt politically over the past several months. However, things got so bad over the past few months that the resistance backlash is positive and undeniable, and I’m encouraged about the potential to turn this mess around. There are many substantive and powerful signs of constructive civic engagement. Come join me as I outline a few. You’ll have many of your own. LET’S MOSEY!
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