Stick It!

Community residents in Chestermere had an opportunity to stick it! Sticking "it" translates into posting a sticky note on to a community map to determine what is important in the community.

A community wide gathering was held where people could fill out a scanning tool to identify some key areas of quality of life in Chestermere. Group discussions created much focus on the strengths and celebrations that Chestermere has to offer its residents.

Some of the key areas that residents focused on as strengths and assets were: events; organizations, programs, facilities, and services; nature and natural appreciation; atmosphere and people.

If you take apart those headings it is easy to see that the pipes and pavement were not necessarily what the residents were looking at. While those aspects of a community are important, the residents were looking deeper into the quality of life. Residents were actually reflecting upon what makes Chestermere an active, creative, and engaged community.

A facilitator, the community development coach, took the group through a process to determine community priorities. This overall process helped the community determine how to best focus time and energy. The process also helped the community gain ownership on how to move forward with the priorities.

Creating a meaningful and significant, yet fun process to determine what is important to people helps to set the stage for community empowerment. Take time to "stick it" and gain an understanding of what is important to your organization or community. It works!