Since becoming an elected North Cowichan Councillor, I've discovered first hand the truth of the quote, "nothing is so simple that it cannot be misunderstood." (Freeman Teague Jr.
Clear effective communication is a real challenge between a local government and citizens. Misinformation abounds and sadly people decisions based on it.
Yet it is a real challenge to engage people. We are all on the every-day-thon of life and the many issues and duties we deal with and the constant barrage of information coming at us is always competing for our attention. Many folks don't think much about local issues until they affect them directly - like at tax time!
Yet its so important for residents to be in the know about their communities. I still plan to write more about local taxes, how they are set -- how your tax bill breaks down etc. -- as the months unfold. And I'm always happy in turn to hear from residents about any topic that is important to you.
I took the next two paragraphs from a website on communication and leadership.
"Communication is the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another; it involves a sender transmitting an idea, information, or feeling to a receiver (U.S. Army, 1983).
Effective communication only happens if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to transmit. Many of the problems that occur in any organization (or community) are the either the direct result of people failing to communicate and/or processes which lead to confusion and can cause good plans to fail (Mistry, Jaggers, Lodge, Alton, Mericle, Frush, Meliones, 2008). "
I learned this first hand this past week. The Chemainus Advisory Committee, of which I am a member, had sought input (at Council's request) on the siting of a proposed sculpture in Chemainus. For whatever reason, none of us thought to seek out direct input on the placing of this sculpture from our local First Nations.
Thankfully, they became engaged on their own and came to our open meeting to share their concerns. This was very valuable not only saving us from potential hard feelings, but opening the door for better, earlier and more thorough communication with our neighbours going forward.
Effective communication is critical to the healthy functioning of a community. How can local government communicate more effectively?
North Cowichan is looking at improving communication. To that end, this Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting will include a general discussion on a variety of communication issues including communication between Council members, between Council and staff and between North Cowichan and the public. Come on out June 26th at 6 pm if you have some ideas on improving communication.
North Cowichan Council meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 3 pm and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 6 pm. Near the the beginning of each meeting the public is given the opportunity to give input on any agenda item. And at the end of each meeting the public can ask questions. Council and committee meetings are open to the public {except when agenda items fall under Section 90. (1) of the Community Charter} and posted on our homepage, on a calender just under
'Quicklinks' at the top left hand corner of the homepage. You can find the latest happenings there too. Staff regularly post updated info on everything from road closures to the North Cowichan Climate Action and Energy Plan. Concerned about what goes in your green bin? The answers are all here. All of the minutes and agendas are also posted there too. And if you click on Quicklinks you can find short cuts to everything from municipal employment opportunities to the Homeowner Grant.
Admittedly, it's not the most user friendly or flashy website, but for an 'in house' site it is amazingly comprehensive and regularly updated. Staff does an amazing job at attempting to communicate. Our job as residents is to visit the site and take advantage of its expanding options.
North Cowichan is also is in the process of developing an updated more user friendly website and going through a branding exercise. If you're a photo buff, or just happen to have a great North Cowichan shot you'd like to share on the website upload it here.
We have Facebook and Twitter accounts and you can click here to sign up to be notified via email on various specific topics.
Okay, I know -- keeping in touch with your municipality and what's going on there might not be uppermost in your mind, but I urge you to consider plugging in, keeping informed and getting engaged. At the very least, consider signing up for an email alert in the event of an emergency.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is inviting residents of each member area to share input on their priorities, their interests and the ways they would like to receive information updates about what is taking place in the Cowichan Valley.
You can give input online that will help improve communication and consultation about local issues here in North Cowichan and throughout the region. And when you complete the survey you can to enter a draw to win free passes to recreational and cultural facilities in the valley.
The survey deadline is July 3, 2012.
Here’s the link to the surveys: http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1495
And, as always, drop me a line or give me a call with your ideas, your concerns and even your hopes and dreams for this region.
Working together we can create the kind of community that would be the envy of all.
Hope you found some time to do what makes your heart sing this weekend. And maybe, if we're lucky, summer weather will be right around the corner so we can get out there and enjoy all the wonderful things we love about living in the Cowichan Valley.
Clear effective communication is a real challenge between a local government and citizens. Misinformation abounds and sadly people decisions based on it.
Yet it is a real challenge to engage people. We are all on the every-day-thon of life and the many issues and duties we deal with and the constant barrage of information coming at us is always competing for our attention. Many folks don't think much about local issues until they affect them directly - like at tax time!
Yet its so important for residents to be in the know about their communities. I still plan to write more about local taxes, how they are set -- how your tax bill breaks down etc. -- as the months unfold. And I'm always happy in turn to hear from residents about any topic that is important to you.
I took the next two paragraphs from a website on communication and leadership.
"Communication is the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another; it involves a sender transmitting an idea, information, or feeling to a receiver (U.S. Army, 1983).
Effective communication only happens if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to transmit. Many of the problems that occur in any organization (or community) are the either the direct result of people failing to communicate and/or processes which lead to confusion and can cause good plans to fail (Mistry, Jaggers, Lodge, Alton, Mericle, Frush, Meliones, 2008). "
I learned this first hand this past week. The Chemainus Advisory Committee, of which I am a member, had sought input (at Council's request) on the siting of a proposed sculpture in Chemainus. For whatever reason, none of us thought to seek out direct input on the placing of this sculpture from our local First Nations.
Thankfully, they became engaged on their own and came to our open meeting to share their concerns. This was very valuable not only saving us from potential hard feelings, but opening the door for better, earlier and more thorough communication with our neighbours going forward.
Effective communication is critical to the healthy functioning of a community. How can local government communicate more effectively?
North Cowichan is looking at improving communication. To that end, this Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting will include a general discussion on a variety of communication issues including communication between Council members, between Council and staff and between North Cowichan and the public. Come on out June 26th at 6 pm if you have some ideas on improving communication.
North Cowichan Council meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 3 pm and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 6 pm. Near the the beginning of each meeting the public is given the opportunity to give input on any agenda item. And at the end of each meeting the public can ask questions. Council and committee meetings are open to the public {except when agenda items fall under Section 90. (1) of the Community Charter} and posted on our homepage, on a calender just under
'Quicklinks' at the top left hand corner of the homepage. You can find the latest happenings there too. Staff regularly post updated info on everything from road closures to the North Cowichan Climate Action and Energy Plan. Concerned about what goes in your green bin? The answers are all here. All of the minutes and agendas are also posted there too. And if you click on Quicklinks you can find short cuts to everything from municipal employment opportunities to the Homeowner Grant.
Admittedly, it's not the most user friendly or flashy website, but for an 'in house' site it is amazingly comprehensive and regularly updated. Staff does an amazing job at attempting to communicate. Our job as residents is to visit the site and take advantage of its expanding options.
North Cowichan is also is in the process of developing an updated more user friendly website and going through a branding exercise. If you're a photo buff, or just happen to have a great North Cowichan shot you'd like to share on the website upload it here.
We have Facebook and Twitter accounts and you can click here to sign up to be notified via email on various specific topics.
Okay, I know -- keeping in touch with your municipality and what's going on there might not be uppermost in your mind, but I urge you to consider plugging in, keeping informed and getting engaged. At the very least, consider signing up for an email alert in the event of an emergency.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is inviting residents of each member area to share input on their priorities, their interests and the ways they would like to receive information updates about what is taking place in the Cowichan Valley.
You can give input online that will help improve communication and consultation about local issues here in North Cowichan and throughout the region. And when you complete the survey you can to enter a draw to win free passes to recreational and cultural facilities in the valley.
The survey deadline is July 3, 2012.
Here’s the link to the surveys: http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1495
And, as always, drop me a line or give me a call with your ideas, your concerns and even your hopes and dreams for this region.
Working together we can create the kind of community that would be the envy of all.
Hope you found some time to do what makes your heart sing this weekend. And maybe, if we're lucky, summer weather will be right around the corner so we can get out there and enjoy all the wonderful things we love about living in the Cowichan Valley.
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