Editor:
Not so long ago when I used to get paid for work, I designed and facilitated large group strategic workshops for progressive businesses. Everyone participated – all departments, all levels of the hierarchy from bottom to top. People were invited to exercise their passion and willingness to contribute. People became energized. I witnessed incredible results over time – from a 2,000 per cent return on investment through asset improvements to the reversal of a provincial policy decision to close the local hospital’s operating room.
And as a citizen, I would show up to public or stakeholder engagement meetings on issues that I really cared about. My experience was that they generally sucked – there was no provision for dialogue of possible solutions among folks who really cared. People left de-energized.
What if citizens were invited to help in the challenges that we all face? What if we had citizen forums on Coast-wide issues? Issues such as water, regional growth, waste management or climate change – challenges that will impact everyone on the Coast from Egmont to Port Mellon. Citizen forums where everyone who cares about the specific issue is invited – elected and non-elected residents alike, having conversations and contributing as equals. Citizen forums where the opportunity for dialogue on the specific issue is rich. Imagine what it would be like to harness our collective wisdom and experience!
If the Sunshine Coast spoke as one voice on big issues impacting us, our ability to influence the provincial or federal government towards our vision would be immense. The current municipal/regional/first nation governments are making a solid effort to work together. Citizen forums would complement that effort considerably.
What if we hosted citizen forums to strengthen the “The Voice of the Sunshine Coast” by enabling collaboration towards action on Coast-wide issues?
Doug Marteinson, Granthams Landing
