Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#1
A lot has been said by our David on those trying to make a difference in the community.
Although David clearly doesn't like politicians(but sways more to the right)
I'v always found that encouraging people is a better way to advance things than put people down.
It would be easy for me to come on here and say the market needs a lot more work and isn't a good as other towns close by,
but that hardly helps those that volunteer day in and day out to at least try to get it off the ground.
Volunteers across Dover come in many different forms, different times able to commit, and different interests,
In years gone by Lesley Ives got a lot of community groups together, and where they lacked confidence, by the end of the course/gathering, they ended up community leaders, some moving on to even bigger things.
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Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#2
Keith, why does it matter so much to you which way anyone who is not actively a politician leans, you seem to have a strong desire to pigeonhole all of us on here.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#3
Jan
i'm going to try hard to stick to the actual thread title
a small point that you make, for some reason David has to keep on about how he's non political (not my doing)
and pigeon hole me(but i note you are not critical of him, or others when they do same)
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#4
And I loved every minute of it Keith. Helping people to realise their potential is so rewarding.
My greatest concern is the amount of work individuals commit to, often because they are so passionate about their projects. One of the hardest lessons to learn is delegation!
It is very easy for "agencies" to take advantage of this commitment and groups can find themselves being cohersed into providing services outside of their original objectives and which impact on their resources. The most important lessons for any group or individual to remember is that they have the right to say no and to take full minutes of meetings to back up any agreements they enter into.
Volunteers are worth their weight in gold and our country would come to a standstill if they ever went on strike!
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#5
And if less time was spent bickering......
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#6
To true Lesley
when we all sat round that table at the first meeting, i recall the majority of those present stating they were not up to the course,
by uour gentle persuassion/encouragement over the year all of them blossomed and became community leaders, just to watch them over the year grow in confidence, and start to lead was worthwhile for me
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Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#7
Some quarters might blame me for that Keith!!
Teaching people to challenge the system was somewhat frowned upon by some, usually because it highlighted their own lack of knowledge to problem solve. People who sit in Ivory Towers often loose track of reality and don't like to be reminded of it! The role of the volunteer is often exploited because the paid worker has a very comfortable chair which they would rather not get out of. Shame, they might find out what they are missing if they did.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#8
To true Lesley
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howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#9
looking at the bigger picture the big local and the town team are voluntary organisations dependent on other groups pulling together with them, if paul is right they are doomed.
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#10
So long as groups stick to what they are best at and agree to support and encourage others doing the same they can achieve great things. We all need to call in the experts sometimes and by not treading on toes and duplicating services progress will be made.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#11
Yes lesley
even from our humble start many went on to lead there own communities and some onto bigger things
all should be encouraged
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Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#12
Its Important that community leaders(and we have lots in Dover)are applauded and encouraged
Even politicians of all parties we should encourage as part of the bigger picture,
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Guest 714- Registered: 14 Apr 2011
- Posts: 2,594
#13
Just seen this, extraordinary that Keith starts a thread about volunteers and by the second line refers to politics, its an obsession.
Politicians should never be encouraged, they do far more harm than good, they need to get out of the way and stop interfering.
I have no idea what a community leader is.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#14
David.
On the contrary, politicians should be encouraged.
In fact, they should be informed and told of how they can help their communities and then, once informed, you can expect them to do what they can to help.
That is what they are there for.
Right or wrong, they often do not know how they can help, so it is up to people from within the communities to tell politicians and councillors what needs to be done.
They are in office to work for their communities and we will only move forward if we work with them.
I don't think anyone labels themselves as a community leader.
Those that get labelled as such are put under great pressure from many quarters.
Many fade away because of the pressure, others, who feel that their communities are worth fighting for, will continue regardless.
Ross will know what hurdles are in front of him, what he needs is positive support, not people telling him he is "doomed".
People know that they are being used but it is not about that.
It is what can be achieved for the greater good that is important.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"