Austin Lighthouse’s Post

Congrats to our friend Rocket on his Ted Talk "Vermont: The Value of Hardship" for TEDx Hartland Hill's series, The Art of Living! What a refreshing take on the inherent BENEFITS of hardship: innovation, accountability, and cooperation - these are KEY qualities of Vermont living! Here at BRIC in Springfield, we're acutely and continuously aware of the myriad of challenges that rural life presents in the face of our community development efforts. If we're being honest, the list of obstacles and setbacks we encounter day to day often feels endless - like pushing a boulder up hill (both ways!) in the snow. Anyone boots on the ground doing this type of work knows it's not for the faint of heart, and in fact we often joke that you have to be a certain sort of glutton for punishment in order to ever actually make any progress. We know what we're doing is difficult, and that we're pushing against the odds with the things we're trying to accomplish - and somehow this awareness actually BOLSTERS our determination. The spirit of resilience and ingenuity is STRONG in Vermont. It's an inherent part of our identity. Whether it's snowstorms, early frosts, catastrophic flooding, workforce and housing shortages, food insecurity, busted leaking pipes - whatever the hurdle, Vermonters SHOW UP. We imagine possibilities, we work together, and we GET SHIT DONE. In spite of the challenges, there's nowhere we'd rather be! We believe in the power of our communities, we root for the underdog, and we WILL prevail. Thanks for the food for thought, Rocket! And for all that you're doing to help affect positive change here in Vermont! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/egRhvQgW #vermont #tedx #tedxhartlandhill #rurallife #ruralinnovation #community #CommunityDevelopment

Community Engagement Initiative: " 🌱 Growing Together! We're thrilled to announce our new community garden project, where students, teachers, and families will come together to cultivate a green space for learning and relaxation. Whether you have a green thumb or are just eager to lend a hand, we welcome everyone to join us in this exciting endeavor! Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get involved. Let's sow the seeds of community and growth together! 🌿🌻 #CommunityGarden #GreenInitiative"

#SafetySaturday: The Broward MPO and Broward County have teamed up to develop the Broward Safety Action Plan (BSAP) - a Vision Zero initiative dedicated to eliminating severe injuries and traffic fatalities in Broward County. 🚸 🚦 We're dedicated to transforming this vision into a reality by leveraging a data-driven approach, focusing on innovative strategies, and conducting meaningful community engagement. Together, we can reach Vision Zero—zero severe injuries or traffic fatalities. Learn more at SafeStreets4Broward.org #SafeStreets4Broward #BrowardSafetyActionPlan #DriveSafeBroward #VisionZero

🌟 Spotlight on Community: The Heart of BLC Roofing 🌟 At BLC Roofing, our mission transcends beyond roofing. Rooted deeply in our core values is the spirit of "Community"—an unwavering commitment to uplift and enrich the lives within the neighborhoods we serve. It's not just about installing roofs; it's about constructing stronger, more resilient communities. Why do we spotlight our community initiatives? 1. Investing In People-Our journey has always been about more than just business growth. It's about nurturing a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. We take pride in taking 3-5 entry-level individuals to six-figure earnings annually, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and opportunity. 2.Service Above Self- Our commitment to service is at the forefront of what we do. Whether it's through our free roofing for those in need, future teen training trade programs, or our local business spotlights, we're here to serve, give back, and make a tangible difference. 3. Building Together- Every community spotlight is a testament to the power of collaboration. By highlighting local heroes, businesses, and initiatives, we're not just sharing stories; we're weaving a tapestry of community solidarity and support. 4. Inspiring Change- Through our actions and spotlights, we hope to inspire others to join us in making a difference. It's about sparking a movement of kindness, generosity, and community service that transcends our individual efforts. As we look forward to another year of growth, both as a company and as a community, we're reminded of the strength found in unity. Our spotlights are more than just moments of recognition; they are beacons of hope, showcasing the incredible impact we can achieve together. Thank you to every individual, family, and business that has been a part of this journey. Here's to continuing to build a stronger, more connected community—one roof at a time. #BLCRoofing #CommunityFirst #GivingBack #CommunitySpotlight

Securing natural lands and creating spaces for nature-based learning programs requires a multifaceted approach involving community engagement, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices. 🌳Securing Natural Lands 1. Conservation Easements 2. Land Trusts 3. Government Grants and Funding 4. Community Fundraising 5. Corporate Sponsorships 🌳Creating Natural Learning Spaces 1. Outdoor Classrooms 2. Trails and Pathways 3. Native Plant Gardens 4. Habitat Restoration Projects 5. Collaborations with Environmental Organizations 6. Curriculum Development 🌳Engaging the Community 1. Volunteer Programs 2. Educational Workshops 3. Public Awareness Campaigns By implementing these strategies, we can ensure the preservation of natural lands and the development of enriching educational spaces that foster a deep connection with the environment for generations to come.

Elevating Communities: The Impact of Short Sales on Property Values 🏘️ Did you know? Short sales, when handled strategically, can positively impact neighborhood property values by up to 15%! 💼 Gain valuable insights on addressing concerns from neighbors and fostering community well-being. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g4FKS4ZG 🏠 and join my monthly coaching call here: https://lnkd.in/gpEndi-U #PropertyValues #CommunityResilience

ProWash Missouri: More Than Just Cleaning, We're Community Builders! At ProWash Missouri, our passion for pristine homes is matched by our dedication to the community. We believe in more than just delivering top-notch cleaning and staining services; we're committed to making a positive impact right here where we live and work. Community Engagement: From local clean-ups to sponsoring youth teams, we actively participate in and support community events. Our involvement goes beyond business—it's about lifting each other up and fostering a sense of unity. Supporting Local: We choose local businesses and suppliers whenever possible, strengthening our community's economic base and promoting growth. By supporting local, we help create a thriving, resilient economy. Eco-Friendly Practices: Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our use of sustainable, eco-friendly products. We're dedicated to not only beautifying homes but also preserving our planet for generations to come. At ProWash Missouri, we're more than service providers; we're community builders. Our mission is to not only enhance homes but also contribute to the well-being and growth of our community. Join us in making a difference. With ProWash Missouri, it's not just about the work; it's about building a better community together.

Park Picnics & Connection: In the embrace of green spaces, laughter echoes, friendships bloom, and community bonds strengthen. Shared blankets, smiles, and nature's serenity weave a tapestry of connections, fostering unity under the open sky.🤩 #ConnectToGrow growzilla.co #growzilla #community #communitybuilding #communitymanagement #communitydevelopment #communitygrowth #communityfirst #communitystrategy

Behind the scenes of a community outreach plan that spanned across 3 states. Things I learned: 1. Planting metal poles amid tree roots is a great team building exercise. 2. Blue Powerade >Purple Powerade 3. There are three different categories of barricades, thanks Hunter White! 4. Proclamations are fancy, accept them when offered. 5. When planning events silly things like desks and chairs take too much space in an office. 6. People are good, and want to do good. Give them the opportunity and they will rise to the occasion. 7. Though ribbon cuttings are a nice photo op, they signify much more than that. It’s about people showing up for you, supporting a common goal, standing behind that red ribbon and collectively saying WE did this. 8. I can now do hotdog to bun ratio math in my sleep, but if I haven’t slept I might forget to buy the hotdogs that go in the buns… #AlwaysLearning

Let’s start a conversation! Last week, Allison Farole, MPA, CEM, MiPEM and I discussed the concept of building community preparedness. In this, we shared an observation that our current culture has shifted away from prioritizing and fostering a sense of “community.” Modern-day society coupled with technology advancements have shifted our mind-set. We are less connected to our neighbors, colleagues, schools, towns, city-centers, etc., than at any other time in history. And our long-standing viewpoint/sense of what “community” is, no longer exists. So, the QOTD is this: How do you build community preparedness, without community being a part of your culture?