Joy Rising

Just finished another #bcedchat this evening… which inspired me to write tonight’s blog.  What do you do that brings you joy?  I think about all the different things that I do… and much of what I do is education related… but one of my greatest joys is participating and learning from #bcedchat.  Tonight I was a just tweeting along as a participant on #bcedchat… sometimes I am a co-moderator… other times I’m hanging out with members of the #bcedchat co-mod team on Google+.  No matter how I participate, I’m learning.  And for this, I am grateful.  I feel inspired, energized, and enlightened.  Tonight’s topic was “Thoughtful Technology Integration.” I had no idea what I would contribute or learn. Tonight, I was a teacher and learner.  I just put my thoughts out there and inquired.  I met so many great people via Twitter and love my growing PLN.  It’s moments like these when I feel like… “Doh, I wished I was back in the classroom to try out some of these ideas.”  Way too much fun… and maybe one day, I will be. Until then, let the lurking and learning continue. #Twitter #awesome

Edu-Consequences

Yong Zhao at the BCSSA BCASBO Fall Conference 2014

Front row seats at the BCSSA/BCABO 2014 Fall Conference to listen to Yong Zhao from the University of Oregon.  Yong’s enthusiasm, critical mind, and light hearted humour brought light to the purpose of education and “Are we doing a good job?”  Three points I would like to highlight from Yong’s engaging presentation: (1) Quality education would prevent our children from living in our basement.  This is so true.  What are we doing in education that prepares students for the real world?  This would a measurable outcome.  (2) Every time we solve a problem, we create new problems.  Yong calls them “side effects”or edu-consequences to change.  These outcomes are unintended.  (3) Entrepreneurialship in schools.  Students as entrepreneurs would cultivate their creativity, curiosity, and autonomy… thus shifting education from a place of compliance and mediocrity to a place of excellence and greatness that is focused on student strengths, not deficiencies. Thank you Yong and nudging us a bit further to shift the paradigm.

Making Explicit

Michael Fullan at BCSSA/BCASBO Fall Conference 2014

It was my deepest pleasure to meet one of my edu-super heroes Dr. Michael Fullan at the 2014 BCSSA/BCASBO Fall Conference in Vancouver.  I have read several his books on educational leadership and educational change but I never thought I would listen to him speak or even speak to him face-to-face.  First, thank you Michael for taking this shameless edu-selfie with me during the break and second, thank you for answering several of my edu-questions that lingered within me for many years as an educator and school trustee.  A weight has been lifted… and I am grateful.  Three messages that transformed my seemingly rhetorical edu-questions to a place of clarity: (1) The school principal should be the “Lead Learner” of the school; (2) Be explicit with the vision; and (3) When the moral imperative is lost, all that one can think about is the money.  Wowza…  I was frustrated for years and this was an “aha” edu-moment.  Thank you Michael!!!  Your gift is making the implicit, explicit… so that people, like me, can see themselves in your story.

The Morning After

It’s the morning after 5 weeks of campaigning and I reflect back with no regrets, no bad feelings, and no second thoughts.  I am proud of my performance and encouraged by the kind words from many who could see my leadership, my strengths, and my campaign.  I am grateful.  A big thank you to those who donated to my campaign, supported my campaign, and volunteered their time.  I am humbled.  A final thank you to my family and edu-colleagues for their love and support.  I am honoured.  This term, I opted for a positive mayoralty campaign that focused on community engagement, affordable housing, and small business initiatives.  However, it was clear that this municipal election was driven by fear and the “us vs. them” mindset.  I congratulate Bruce Milne and the 2014-2018 District of Sechelt Council. There is much work to do and I look forward to your work in the next 4-years.  I will continue with my community work with the CRC Progress Plan, Sunshine Coast Community Futures, and the SD46 Board of Education.  I have learned a lot about myself, my community, and municipal politics during this campaign.  We are a passionate bunch and pleased with voter turnout on the Sunshine Coast.  Thank you to all those who put their names forward for mayor, council, and school trustee in the 2014 BC local elections.  It’s not easy putting yourself out there with hopes of serving your community for the next four years.  Will you see me again in 4-years?  Absolutely.

Campaign Gratitude

I am overwhelmed with campaign gratitude. This election campaign has been an awesome experience and I encourage others to get involved in local politics and put your name forward. I am in absolute awe of people’s generosity, encouragement, and kindness. This campaign is truly about leadership and service. No fighting. No drama. Admittedly, there have been moments of negativity during this election campaign. My credibility was questioned, my experience belittled, and my political intentions scrutinized. Furthermore, I am disappointed to hear how some members of the Sechelt electorate are willing to believe and accept gossip and rumours at face value instead of asking me or someone who knows. I am accessible by email, text, Facebook, Twitter, phone, and in person. Just ask. Unfortunately, the amount of inquiries have been underwhelming. An engaged voter is an informed voter. Thank you to all those who made the inquiry wholeheartedly and free of judgement. I appreciate your courage to ask the tough questions and willingness to consider my response. THANK YOU to all those who have supported my campaign. I’ve got lots of supporters within and beyond the municipal boundaries of Sechelt.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you to all those who donated money to my campaign, volunteered their time, offered their services, shared ideas, paid compliments, and provided feedback throughout my campaign. It is absolutely unbelievable and I am humbled. It’s nice to know that you believe in me, you can see my campaign, and you have confidence in my leadership. I am honoured. These positive aspects of this campaigned greatly outweighed the “troll-like” behaviour demonstrated by some individuals who had no other intentions but to scare, interrogate, or intimidate me. I walk away from this campaign A WINNER. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and I hope the District of Sechelt elects a mayor and council who will best serve them and their community. If anything… GET YOUR VOTE ON… Vote on November 15th. Voter engagement is on the rise and I am optimistic. Your Voice Counts.

Economic Development

Economic development is a focal point for Sechelt electorates during this campaign season. Each mayoral candidate in the District of Sechelt offer 3 different perspectives on the same issue. Before moving forward with some of my ideas regarding economic development, I would like to mention that other factors such as affordable housing, transportation, and childcare also need to be addressed concurrently at the municipal level in collaboration with other jurisdictions, partnerships, and levels of government to find viable solutions that are aligned to community values.  According to Vital Signs 2014, 99% of businesses on the Sunshine Coast employ less than 20 employees. Small businesses are a strength of the Sunshine Coast and contributes to our local economy and survival.  Encouraging and supporting small businesses to emerge and flourish will in turn result in jobs, unique entrepreneurial opportunities, and local economic growth.  Dream a bit bigger… we might be manufacturing, drawing business to Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast, and exporting goods.  With this direction, keeping money local and investing local would be a priority.

For the District of Sechelt, I see three viable opportunities to provoke the local economy in a positive way.

1.  Education and Training:  
As mentioned at the 2014 shishalh nation business forum, education is an underpinning to economic growth.  Partnering with Capilano University and other educational institutions to identify, endorse, and support educational programs that would address the employment needs of our community such as health care, trades, and early childhood education, would increase the skill set of our community members, meet employment demands, and create opportunities to have jobs earning a living wage. If Capilano University thrives, other post secondary institutions would be attracted to come to Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast as a viable location to host other post-secondary programs.  Another educational opportunity would be for small businesses.  Hosting workshops, seminars, or networking groups at Capilano Univeristy or with other community partners such as the Sechelt Chamber Commerce, Community Futures, or FUSE in order to help emerging and currently operating small businesses to understand the District bylaws, create a business plan, or plan to take the next step.  When we invest in the social capital of our community, we are also contributing to our economic growth and welfare.

2.  Social Enterprise
There are multiple models of social enterprise but it is the opportunity of small businesses to thrive but also give back and work with the community.  I would like to highlight two examples.  The first example is Persephone’s Brewing and Sunshine Coast Community Living (SCACL).  Persephone’s is a microbrewery located in Gibsons.  Much like many small businesses, Persephone’s started from a vision and built with love and passion.  They grow their own hops, produce their own beer, and serve the fruits of their labour on site.  Persephone’s is community oriented and thrive on the kindness and help of its patrons community members. Furthermore, Persephone’s is a social enterprise.  SCACL are share holders of Persephone’s, Persephone’s employ SCACL advocates, and SCACL advocates sit on the Persephone’s Board.  Persephone’s is invested in the community and SCACL is invested in Persephone’s in return.  It’s a reciprocated relationship and both organizations mutually benefit.  The second example is Salish Soils.  Another local business based on a dream and with the help of various community partners is thriving.  As Salish Soils flourishes, they give back to the community by contributing dirt to various community gardens so that the community itself flourishes. Social enterprise is the opportunity for businesses to grow, create a profit, but also give back to the community to build the community.

3.  Community Investments
According to Vital Signs, our dependent population is increasing.  This population represents those under the age of 18 and over the age of 55.  I can see why this would be when the Globe and Mail identified Sechelt as #2 out of 7 places as best place to retire.  With the selling points of condo living, purchasing housing in the mid-300’s with money to spare, and coastal living… one can assume that the clientele choosing to retire in Sechelt can afford to.  Much like Powell River, Sechelt will have a significant portion of it’s population on a pension with a retirement savings.  How can this group invest in Sechelt to support it’s local economy?  In Powell River, one initiative is known as a community investment fund where community members can re-invest their savings/mutual funds back in the community.  With the community investment fund, investors will gain a return from their investment and the community will collect a significant amount money from various investors to build or initiate local economic development projects that supports emerging entrepreneurs and small business development.  In essence, this is a win-win situation where investors gain a return and those looking for funds to create economic development initiatives can to create local economic growth.

The big idea… when we invest in ourselves… we invest in our community... thus, we invest in our local economy.