In It Together
Tom Walsh in Sunday's Free Press has it right ---- 'We're in it together, so let's act like it'. As revealed by the Detroit renaissance study, we rank ourselves dead last as a good place to work and live among like size markets. Not only do other markets rank us last, but we rank our own hometown dead last.
There comes a point in time that we have to 'be careful what we let become normal.' No one would argue that there are significant issues we face. But, we also have some unique opportunities in front of us. As Tom Walsh articulates, the very fact that regional civic organizations are coming together for the first time historically creates a moment in time for action. A time for the region to get one foot firmly placed in the future of regional coordination. As we at United Way heard from local residents, not only do they want that, they expect it from the corporate, civic and public leaders.
Tom Walsh says 'so let's act like it'. Agree. We at United Way have a three step view to community work. Be. Do. Say. Let's be clear on what we are trying to accomplish. Let's do it. Then, and only then, let's say it. So let us not just act it. Rather, let's be clear upon the goal. Let's put our aspiration to work-- do it. Then, we all can say it.
Tom Walsh Article in Free Press
There comes a point in time that we have to 'be careful what we let become normal.' No one would argue that there are significant issues we face. But, we also have some unique opportunities in front of us. As Tom Walsh articulates, the very fact that regional civic organizations are coming together for the first time historically creates a moment in time for action. A time for the region to get one foot firmly placed in the future of regional coordination. As we at United Way heard from local residents, not only do they want that, they expect it from the corporate, civic and public leaders.
Tom Walsh says 'so let's act like it'. Agree. We at United Way have a three step view to community work. Be. Do. Say. Let's be clear on what we are trying to accomplish. Let's do it. Then, and only then, let's say it. So let us not just act it. Rather, let's be clear upon the goal. Let's put our aspiration to work-- do it. Then, we all can say it.
Tom Walsh Article in Free Press
1 Comments:
For me, it's not only that we're beginning to work together, but what we're beginning to work on. Where else in the country can it be said that the major business, civic and social impact organizations representing a significant metropolitan region are going through their own transformations, and doing it transparently and together? Not only that, but look at the conversation: we've transcended (to a certain degree) the "we need less taxes, less government to get more jobs", and instead are focusing on the broader economic and social environment: creating employment, education and entrepreneurial opportunities. And, I believe we are acutely aware of the need to focus on underlying and root causes.
I commend both Tom Walsh and Daniel Howes for "getting it" and giving the work of the Chamber, Detroit Renaissance and United Way a voice. The framework has been set. Now all we need to do is continue to fill it in.
By A Harris, at 11:18 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home