There is so much good happening in local communities, get involved to enjoy it!
There is SO MUCH GOOD going on in our local communities that does not usually make the news headlines, but for those who GET INVOLVED, they get to indulge in the rewards!
But again, you need to GET INVOLVED in your community, together with the Governing Body, to experience all the good things going on in your City organization and the neighborhoods you serve.
At my last City Council meeting out in the desert, it was such a treat to see all the library employees joined together in the Council chambers, making a presentation to the City Council about all the activities going on at the local library.
Each City library employee received individual recognition by the Mayor and Council, with a certificate of appreciation that was sincerely accepted. Library employees are such neat people. They are certainly a lot more interesting than us Finance Directors who lack a personality! 😊
Library employees are not just bookworms who walk around saying “shh”. No, they truly love people, and they love being helpful, excitedly telling everybody about all the cool things in “their” library. They did a lot last week to educate us all about how libraries create culture and bring our community together.
Tonight, I was at another Council meeting where a high school mariachi group performed traditional Mexican songs for 20 minutes in front of the City Council, where some 100 residents enjoyed during the public session of the Council agenda meeting.
The Mayor and Council provided recognition certificates to the individual teen mariachi group members.
There was also a presentation by a local group promoting literacy and reading in the community. They too received certificates of appreciation from the Mayor and Council.
Anyway, as I sat there at the Council meeting tonight, thinking of what I was going to say about the budget and the financial statements, the high school mariachi group stole my heart, with their beautiful songs and musical instruments. They reminded of what is important in life!
What really matters in life is PEOPLE. And more importantly, showing LOVE to people.
If all we think about in doing or jobs as City employees is “what can the City for me”, or “why don’t I make more money here”, or whatever, you may MISS out on all the good things going on in the community that you serve.
This week, get off your couch for a couple hours and go attend a City Council meeting, or a weekend community event.
This is really the only way to personally experience the love and the community spirit that is going on all around your neighborhood.
Attending a Council meeting or a weekend community event is a great opportunity for City employees, especially City employees with leadership responsibilities in the organization.
Today as I work with two of the most beautiful communities in California. I am very grateful, thankful that I was blessed to be a part of the management team of these City organizations.
I encourage all you City employees, and even those of you who just live in a City to get involved in your community.
There are so many cool things going in your City today! Get involved and make your City a better place where you come together with your community.
Go online and take a look at your City’s website. Click on “City Council” and you will find the meeting dates and agendas (1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Wednesdays, etc.), then go visit the meeting.
When in the website, click on “Parks & Recreation”, or “Events” and go find out what is going on in your community.
GET INVOLVED.
As a City employee or as a resident of your City, join your City Council or other Governing Body in making your City an even better place.
Remember, this is YOUR City!
All for now,
John Herrera
President of MuniTemps
CitySpeak the Podcast