At this time of harvest and with Canadian Thanksgiving fast becoming a memory, I would like to reflect on the bounty that is ours in rural Alberta….
This was never more palpable than this past week at the tranquil Sanctum Retreat Centre near Caroline, AB where like minds gathered from diverse communities to teach and support each other through stories and shared experiences. Yes, in the serene, yet vibrant dress of autumn, we got a snap-shot of how so much diversity can and will create the richest canvas.
On behalf of ACE Team Trochu, I was honoured to share some of our past two year’s learnings with the communities of Jasper, Grand Cache, Rocky Mountain House and Carstairs. I am excited anew at their enthusiasm, and yes, some familiar confusion, as they embark on their own tours. Although the diversity issues vary somewhat from one community to the other, each has in common the wish to learn to share their space and resources amicably with others different from themselves or the traditional ‘norms’, while improving the quality of life therein. We can share these ideas so well and simply by story-telling punctuated with expertise, thinking- smarter techniques, and coaching. Know this; we are making a difference in rural Alberta ! Leaders already live in every community and we all have a part to play, whether by stepping forward as that leader or by just making the connections that bring someone else forward in what may be a first-time role for them. Technology and social media are essential for knowledge management and effective communication; whether or not we are the ‘Tweeters’, and ‘Facebookers’, many others are and we dare not lag behind because the future is truly ours.
The collective group numbered under 25 participants making a workshop format very effective while utilizing the ‘Toolkit for Community Leaders’ throughout. The keynote speaker, a woman born in Iran and making her life in Canada, was Farah Mocquais and here is a link with some information about her... http://global-leadership.ca/cms2/who-we-are/business-coaches/ Her easy manner and testimonial style impressed upon the gathering, the importance of creating trust first, through learning cultural differences, and that communities who work toward stronger leadership, become stronger communities. Along with Farah, was the ever-capable and fun-loving ACE Teamleaders : Brenda Herchmer, Janet Naclia, Barb Pedersen, Rose Carmichael and newly on-board, Byron Walker as e-learning leader as well as Letisha McFall, coach for the diversity communities. I cannot think of anyone I would rather have on my ‘bench’… and for so many, I say a heartfelt, Thank-you!
‘It never hurts to ask’ has become the tag-line for Trochu and it was humbling and exciting at the same time, to be quoted as a group of community leaders, to have our power point featured and to be approached by other community leaders asking about our experiences. As a community we have learned so much, experienced such growth; joy, some frustration, but above all, growth. On this very day, we are breaking ground for our 2.7 km Centennial Trail System; that tangible piece of the bigger picture that allowed us to say…WOW! We did it. The experience is a little like a good book…it only gets better the more it is read, shared, celebrated and passed along. I look forward to rejoicing in your stories and accomplishments and I close with a quotation shared in the summation of the training which I feel speaks to our part in the bigger picture….
“ The object is not to see through one another, but to see one another through”….. Peter Devries
Till next time…..Trochu out
