Five small words and the true power of one...

What can I possibly do? How often do we hear or think those five little words? I trust this might give you some inspiration to think differently..

So, back in mid-2019, I was lucky enough to be asked to present at a National Community Development Conference in Canberra - the Power to the People Conference. In one of the two sessions I facilitated/presented, I was lucky enough to be joined by Sue, a community-builder and enthusiast of the asset-based community development movement. As the back end of the presentation that Sue sat in, I asked for one small commitment from each of the participants. They filled this out on a 'commitment postcard'and my promise to participants was that I would send it back to them six weeks after the conference. So, this gave them some time and a task. Something tangible that they were able to start, or complete, before the postcard reached them.

I received this lovely email from Sue, outlining what she did as a result of the workshop and as a result of the commitment she made.

Hi Denver,

I just wanted to update you on my progress with my community and the card I filled out at the Canberra Conference. I said my wish was to unite my little community of 91 people.  Mission accomplished!  I have gained a grant for our local RFS station (which is the only building in our township) for equipment to set up a meeting place i.e. coffee machine, cooking equipment, fridges and heaters.  We now meet once a month and there are no official invites, people can turn up if they want. We find that often people are driving past and stop or they pop in for a short time and more often than not they bring kids. It has become a time where we relax and eat but most importantly we plan things like painting the kids bus shelter in murals and starting a gym at the shed.  Previous to this our community met once a year and hardly saw each other in between. We are now in severe drought and our members have been involved in the fires so meeting up is very important. It has gone from being a hassle to a monthly event people don’t really want to miss ??

The expression of interest I lodged for Leeton Connect was successful, the town of Leeton now has $950,000 funding over approx. 4 years to strengthen the capacity of NFPs.  I am so proud to have written that and worked with an amazing team and to be on the Board of Leeton Connect.

At my local community Xmas party I was thanked by all for creating our community Facebook page, organizing regular meetings and getting the big funds for Leeton.  It was really nice for the community to realize that a bit of work has gone into it but what I am most pleased about is they are all running with it. .. Since August things here have changed dramatically. Council has come on board to help too.  

I would not have done any of this if I did not have that card coming back to me in six weeks. I still keep it on my fridge as a reminder.  I hope you had a great Xmas and New Year!

Regards, Sue

 As I reflect upon the wonderful email I received from Sue, it made me think of all the times that I myself have thought about those five very words...

What can I possibly do?

My hope in sharing this wonderful email is that we remember that one person absolutely CAN. Sue has single handedly taken it upon herself to create community.

• Sue saw the gap, but importantly, has focused on the solution!
• Sue has raised nearly $1m for her local community!
• Sue has contributed to hundreds of hours of social connections being created!
• Sue has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others, in a community that desperately needs it right now!

May we all remember those five little words, but perhaps more importantly, may we see them through the same lens as Sue!

Over and out.. Denver :)