I was invited to be the guest of honour at the 187 Foothills Air Cadet Squadron Mess Dinner this year.

It was so cool to see what this group does, learn more about them and share in a special evening.  The staff, parents and cadets are so awesome and kind.

This packed house full of laughter, camaraderie and Christmas spirit.  If you have children between the ages of 12-19 you should look into this program.   They asked me to speak to them about the importance of community involvement.  (my fav subject!)

So I thought I would share my spiel with you too……

First of all let me thank you very much for the invitation to be your guest this evening.  I am honoured to be here.

• For those of you who don’t know me, I will share a little about myself.
  • My most proud fact is that I am a Mom…to an awesome little boy who is 9, named Kaiden.
  • Professionally, I was in the media & radio industry for just over 21 years.
  • My most recent job was the Morning Show Host and Programming Director on the community radio station here in High River.
  • I left that job over a year and a half ago to launch my own media company called LimeLite Audio and Media AND to pursue my love for community even further with Our High River – which is a grant-funded position, created following the 2013 flood to help with disaster rehabilitation…which is a fancy way to say ‘connect the community’.
  • My role on a daily basis is to increase community engagement in High River by highlighting our amazing citizens and linking them to opportunities.

I was asked to speak tonight on the importance of community involvement.  Already you are doing just that – by being a member of the 187 Foothills Air Cadet Squadron. So give yourselves a round of applause for step 1!

• There are scientific facts, studies, reports, (you name it) to support the importance of Community Connection…Involvement or engagement – whatever you want to call it.
  • We know following the flood in 2013 that how well you know your neighbours creates a safer community. 
  • We know after our recent Vital Signs survey that the more involved people are, the more connected they are and in-turn increases their feelings of belonging……to which I could ramble on for you on the benefits that brings to overall health and wellness all night….But I don’t want to make this into a snooze fest for you.

What’s really cool about being involved in community…is that you can do that however – you – want.  It can look like and be a number of different things….

• From volunteering, to friendship, to coffee dates, to community events –to even positive social media about your community. What’s so nice nowadays is it doesn’t have to fit into a box that may not excite you.

Take a moment right now….to think to yourself….what makes you excited? What is your passion? What makes your heart race when you think about? 

Now – how can you translate that into community involvement?

            You tell me.

THAT’S THE COOL THING!!!! It’s You.

It’s what YOU bring to the table.  And that’s really what Our High River is…. It’s us….it’s you…it’s the community.

You cadets are the future leaders in our town.  You are in the best place to let your mind open up and build the strongest most amazing community on the planet. 

• Part of your mandate in this program is to learn good citizenship and leadership, so again you’re already well into the step 1 of understanding the importance of involvement.
  • Years ago, our communities were built by citizens who just got together and got stuff done. The world shifted some over the years and it turned into the attitude of Government should…..The Town should….someone should….
  • At Our High River – our philosophy is – if not me, who…if not now, when? 
  • We want to help people create the community they want to live in. And YOUR VOICE…matters. 
  • Don’t ever think because your younger you don’t have a say. It’s not true. Now more than ever this community is looking for your input. 

We have themed 2019 the year to take action.

Our 5^th annual community summit is taking place on Saturday January 26^th….free and open to anyone who wants to come learn more about community and specifically how you get involved in action items for High River in the coming year.

The registration is on Eventbrite and linked on our website and social media.  I hope you will join us.

• In closing, I thank you for being part of the 187 Foothills Squadron….like I’ve mentioned you’re well on your way.
  • I remind you that taking your passion into the community is the best way to increase your community involvement.
  • It will make you feel, good….it’s the honest side effect to being engaged in the community.
  • And lastly….use the power you have – in community, on social media and in this world to spread kindness,

Thank you. 

I was invited to be their guest., to speak and share…but I was the one that left with the gift.  Let me tell you…our community’s future is in good shape my friends.  We have a group of dynamic young leaders brewing.  I’m so excited!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

See you at Cafe and Summit in January!