Sunday, December 12, 2010

Government & Public Policy in Snohomish County

December's Education Day is on "Government & Public Policy in Snohomish County."  We started out the day at Snohomish County Chamber having a mock exercise on KRKO Towers.  Class members took on varies roles as council members, activist, citizens, business owners, county clerk, and policy analysist.  It is a very delicate balance indeed for council members to find a position that will address concerns from all sides.

After the mock exercise, we had an amazing line-up of speakers:  Peter Camp from Snohomish County, addressing major concerns that are facing the County; John McCoy from 38th Legislative District on Understanding State and Tribal Issues; John Lovick from Snohomish County Sheriff on Leadership, and his personal stories of why he ran for office; Tim Eyman on the Initiative Process; and Luck Loeffler, Rick Larsen's Legislative aide, on Federal Government, and of course our very own Sarri Gilman on one of the Leadership qualities - Purpose.

The speakers not only provided excellent personal stories of how they took on their leadership role, but also offered us valuable opportunities to ask questions, which all of us took full advantage of.

For me personally, Sarri's topic on "Purpose" really rounded off the day.  Every one of these successful people have one thing in common.  They are all very passionate about their cause, whatever that maybe.  The passion and energy that they all carry are undeniable.  They all have found their own calling, or their "Authentic Purpose."

One of the many reasons we are all participating in this class is to learn how to be more effective as a community leader.  In order to be effective, we need to have answers to three very important questions before a cause can be served effectively:  Why, How, and What.

Why are we doing "this"? How do we achieve "this"?  And at the end of day, What is the result that we want? 
What's your purpose?  Have you found your answers to all three questions? 

If so, Congratulations, because you are well on your way.  If not, stay tuned, as we will all learn how to find ours, in the remainder of this program.

However, in the meantime, we need to pay attention, and learn how to "listen."  As Sheriff John Lovick said, the "Right words at the Right Time" will take hold when you are ready.

Until next time.....


Grace Kane