Helping Create Safe Communities & Neighbourhoods

By: Steve Woolrich

As we all embark on a new years journey for 2009 I spent part of my day reflecting on last year.  For those that allow themselves this personal time to assess their successes and their failures it provides insight that can help each of us grow and improve as individuals.  If you look at many Top 10 Lists for New Years resolutions it’s disappointing to see that we are quite selfish and many goals seem to be oriented towards ourselves, not others.  While there is nothing wrong with self-improvement it would be nice to find more of a balance between what we do for ourselves and what we could do for others. Think of the impact each of us could have if half of these resolutions were community-oriented.

I‘ve always been community-oriented and it’s a great feeling.  For most of my professional life I worked as an employee whose job was to protect assets and minimize losses for large successful organizations.  My employers generally supported my passion and allowed me the opportunity to share my experience. I often found myself participating on community advisory committees and boards that were focused on policing issues and crime prevention.  It was interesting but more importantly it was rewarding.

While I recognize that many corporations make significant contributions to our communities and various charities I think as individuals we could do more.  It reminds me of an old proverb that states “All riches are multiplied by the simple process of sharing them where they may serve others.”  I can think of no better way of embracing this than by engaging each other and improving our community. Each and every one of us has the potential to give in some way and help make a difference.  What about giving some of your time and volunteering for a good cause this year?

The City of Red Deer is a great community to live and work. Can we make it even better? The answer is yes and the improvements could be considerable. Consider your sphere of influence this year and think of the possibilities.  There is nothing more powerful than a group of individuals with a common goal. I challenge everyone in our great city to help improve Red Deer in 2009.  What are we waiting for?  It’s one of the best investments we can make, especially in our present economy.

It would be rather selfish of me to not offer up one or two good suggestions for your consideration.  I was first introduced to RETHINK RED DEER last November when I attended a talk at Red Deer College.  A forward thinking economist by the name of Mark Anielski was the guest speaker.  His presentation was extremely moving and offered me an entirely new perspective on happiness and wealth.  Mark was quoted in a news article saying “So watermarked is this spirit of economics and capitalism on our lives that even though our hearts cry out for a more meaningful and genuine existence, we are sucked back into the squirrel cage of capitalism, running faster and faster to “keep up with the Jones,” lamenting as we imagine a simpler, more meaningful, more genuine life.”  His book titled “The Economics of Happiness” offers readers an alternative and could be the catalyst for many genuinely HAPPY NEW YEARS AHEAD!

To find out more about ReThink Red Deer and Upcoming Events please visit www.rethinkreddeer.ca

To find out more about Mark and his book please visit www.genuinewealth.net

Filed under Community Crime Prevention, Education & Awareness, Portals for Discovery