Monday, December 15, 2008

Let's make 2009 an Awesome Leadership Year

As I prepare for our next LSC Education Day on Business and Economic Development in Snohomish County, I cannot help but think about the current issues facing the country and our own area. The call for leadership is screaming across the headlines throughout our country. With the mortgage crisis, the national bailout of select financial institutions, the auto makers crisis, and the continued Wall Street roller coaster, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. In such times we tend to look for a savior - one individual, or a small group of individuals, who will ride in valiantly on a white horse and rescue us from our current reality. Let me snap you back to reality!!! The time for sitting back and passively hoping for someone else to change the world is often a losing proposition and not a viable option.

These are both scary as well as exciting times. Ghandi said, " Be the change you want to see in the world." That quote means to me that it is not up to one leader to change the world. The time has come for all leaders throughout our nation to step up. The New Year brings with it endless possibilities for positive change. While the country's economic crisis might feel overwhelming on a grand scale, there are small steps that every individual can take on a daily basis to make a positive impact. While you might not be able to make a substantial impact at the national level, everyone can make a difference locally. From volunteering at your local shelter a few hours per month to mentoring underprivileged youth to running for a local council seat, every individual can help to create positive change for the future within their own community. One of the things I will be asking myself is this, "What can I do to make a difference in 2009?

Leaders take action. Anyone can sit back waiting for someone else to make a difference. Step up and take the lead.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Great Public Policy Day

Having worked for elected officials in the past, I was very anxious to see how the Washington process works. The speakers shared a lot of great information with us. It was fascinating to hear about things from the Native American point of view because it is clear to me that there are a lot of opportunities for improvement in that area.

I was very impressed with the great questions posed by all my fellow classmates. They are very informed on the issues. I came there to listen and learn because I am still trying to figure out how things really work around Snohomish County. Having lived in 3 states in the past 4 years, I find myself comparing the way things are there to the way things are here. To me this is an advantage in some aspects but a marked disadvantage in other ways. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it really makes a difference when you do not live directly in the state capital of any state. I feel so out of the loop. I know that I have a lot of learning to do because if I plan to be a strong leader and agent of change then I need to know about the current issues and the way this government works so I can be an informed citizen.

Thank you Leadership Snohomish County for providing such great speakers.