Re-building Walls in the Right Places

After attending the Community Revitalization and Economic Development Boot Camp last week, I can't stop thinking about walls. I envision economic walls around cities and this nation being rebuilt with the work of entrepreneurs and ministry leaders leading the charge. The real question is how? What is the strategy?

Recognizing that old methods are obsolete in our current economy, major stakeholders (local governments, school districts, businesses, nonprofits, churches and citizens) must begin to work together. The fear-driven, island mentality must be broken. You know the saying, "no man is an island" rings true in our current environment. We must tear down the "us against them" wall.

The training was a three part collaboration between the Pleasant Grove Weed and Seed, Faith and Philanthropy Institute, and NeighborWorks America. I love anything that expands my thinking and my conversation. The training did just that. I continue to ask myself, "Where do I fit in the larger scheme of community renewal and how can I best use my voice to encourage other business owners to get involved?"

There are other walls that must be torn down before we can rebuild. When I looked at the strategic plan for the city of Dallas, most of the wealth was concentrated in the northern sector of the city. This wall must be torn down. How can we encourage those in the north to help others in the city? I am not talking about giving a handout, but about sharing the strategies and ideas that have worked over the years. Let's really become good neighbors.

What I liked most about the training was that the participants who were already engaged in their respective communities, have decided to meet as on ongoing learning community to change entrenched conditions within the city of Dallas. I'm not sure when the next meeting is, but I promise to let you know the time and venue. You might want to visit to see if you have something to offer this new dynamic community and help create sustainable communities all around the Dallas metroplex.

Read more about my thoughts about walls on my coaching blog.