Photo: Vital Aging Network
This weekend I was flipping through TV channels and, while I usually skip over the community programming on cable TV, I happened to land on a city council meeting. A resident I would guess to be in his 60s was thanking the council for recent road and bike path improvements.
Now that I’m well into my 50s, I find that I’m approaching my role in my own community a little differently. I haven’t been involved in the past, but perhaps now may be the time. My kids are grown and, although my work, my grandchildren and my 97-year-old father keep me busy, I see my neighborhood as my anchor. In the 26 years I’ve lived in my neighborhood, I’ve watched as the community evolved. And now perhaps it’s my turn to have an impact – to be a (dare I say?) leader.
Many of us hold ourselves back from becoming leaders in our communities for various reasons:
- We may not realize the “communities” we’re actually a part of. Most of us belong to multiple communities – neighborhoods, church groups, volunteer groups, our workplace, etc. – and we can be more effective members within each of these groups.
- We may not be clear about what our talents are that could be of value to our communities.
- We may not know how to step forward – how to leverage our talents and experience for the good of our communities.
“Be the Change” is a free workshop designed to help Saint Paul residents age 50 and better find their own unique answers to these questions. In two short hours, workshop attendees will explore the importance of community involvement, where their special “niche” is and concrete steps they can take to make the Saint Paul community a better place to live.
A collaborative effort, “Be the Change” is presented by Vital Aging Network and Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and funded by The Saint Paul Foundation. Please join us!
When: Thursday, January 26, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church – Fellowship Room, 674 Johnson Parkway, Saint Paul
To register, or for more information, contact LuAnne Speeter at lspeeter@littlebrothersmn.org or 612.746.0753. Space is limited.
Here’s your chance to create your own legacy while giving back to the Saint Paul community. Share the gift of your experience!
Download flyer: Be the Change Workshop
~ LuAnne Speeter is a guest contributor.
