by Paul Clark
As we move into the Fall months, our organized activity is on the rise. This is most evident for those who have children in the school system. There is a stirring in the air for all of us as we sign up for Fall courses, organized activities, and the like. We renew acquaintances and relationships that have gone dormant over the Summer months. So it should be with our Edgemont community activities, and in particular the Edgemont Community Association (ECA).
In this light, I want to focus on membership in the ECA. This has been a major shortcoming in our journey to revitalize our community. Our membership role currently stands at just under 100. Recently we were hard pressed to reach quorum at our annual general meeting. Several events that were planned had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. It seems that the only time interest in the ECA rises is when we face a significant issue or challenge. All is can be rather depressing especially for our board members and active volunteers.
Well, I am an optimist and believe we can transform this situation. Results of our recent community-wide survey give me hope for change. The response level to the survey was most gratifying. Your input has given us the direction we need. In the area of membership, you have been clear that more value must be generated. Ease of membership application and updating of membership status is a must. One of the top Fall priorities for the Board will be membership growth and value enhancement.
On a related topic, I continue to read articles on the importance of community relationship in our daily lives. A recent article in the Calgary Herald titled “Little Things Bring Big Communities Together” (1) drives this perspective home. The elegant concept in this article is “tactical urbanism” or more simply do it yourself (DIY) projects that foster community. I believe this nicely captures our LEAF program for example. The article states that that tactical urbanism is a response to the struggle growing cities like Calgary face to stay green and keep a sense of community. The community association model that our city forefathers wisely put in place years ago is a logical response to this challenge.
A well thought out statement in the article reads: “well-designed public spaces make anonymous urban cores more livable, creating smaller pockets for lingering conversations, public gatherings or safe play for kids”. This applies well to our Edgemont community. It is important to note that this is a participatory process and harks back to my promotion of ECA membership. It is also a valuable component that drives volunteerism in our community.
The article concludes with the following statements: “We can make our world better by investing in our communities and creating common experiences” and “Our cities and neighbourhoods are what bind us together. We can all stand to invest more in our sense of belonging.” I can’t express any better my sentiments and urge you all to take a close look at your involvement in our community. A membership in the ECA would be a good start.
(1) Little Things Bring Big Communities Together, Craig & Marc Kielburger, Calgary Herald, Aug. 7, 2018.
As we move into the Fall months, our organized activity is on the rise. This is most evident for those who have children in the school system. There is a stirring in the air for all of us as we sign up for Fall courses, organized activities, and the like. We renew acquaintances and relationships that have gone dormant over the Summer months. So it should be with our Edgemont community activities, and in particular the Edgemont Community Association (ECA).
In this light, I want to focus on membership in the ECA. This has been a major shortcoming in our journey to revitalize our community. Our membership role currently stands at just under 100. Recently we were hard pressed to reach quorum at our annual general meeting. Several events that were planned had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. It seems that the only time interest in the ECA rises is when we face a significant issue or challenge. All is can be rather depressing especially for our board members and active volunteers.
Well, I am an optimist and believe we can transform this situation. Results of our recent community-wide survey give me hope for change. The response level to the survey was most gratifying. Your input has given us the direction we need. In the area of membership, you have been clear that more value must be generated. Ease of membership application and updating of membership status is a must. One of the top Fall priorities for the Board will be membership growth and value enhancement.
On a related topic, I continue to read articles on the importance of community relationship in our daily lives. A recent article in the Calgary Herald titled “Little Things Bring Big Communities Together” (1) drives this perspective home. The elegant concept in this article is “tactical urbanism” or more simply do it yourself (DIY) projects that foster community. I believe this nicely captures our LEAF program for example. The article states that that tactical urbanism is a response to the struggle growing cities like Calgary face to stay green and keep a sense of community. The community association model that our city forefathers wisely put in place years ago is a logical response to this challenge.
A well thought out statement in the article reads: “well-designed public spaces make anonymous urban cores more livable, creating smaller pockets for lingering conversations, public gatherings or safe play for kids”. This applies well to our Edgemont community. It is important to note that this is a participatory process and harks back to my promotion of ECA membership. It is also a valuable component that drives volunteerism in our community.
The article concludes with the following statements: “We can make our world better by investing in our communities and creating common experiences” and “Our cities and neighbourhoods are what bind us together. We can all stand to invest more in our sense of belonging.” I can’t express any better my sentiments and urge you all to take a close look at your involvement in our community. A membership in the ECA would be a good start.
(1) Little Things Bring Big Communities Together, Craig & Marc Kielburger, Calgary Herald, Aug. 7, 2018.
