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Information and Resources for the residents of Langley Grove Estates |
Community Spirit
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November 22nd, 2009 - The Invisible Majority |
November 22nd, 2009
At the local level:
Through some recent contacts, and lengthy discussions with a few local residents, I'm really becoming more aware of some of the problems affecting this community and why there is some reluctance by many residents to participate in any "social" events or have any contact or involvement with any of our local "committees" or organizations.
(Please see the comments made by Social Committee President Evie Chick in the November Newsletter regarding poor turnout at one recent clubhouse event.)
One of the main problems here is, many residents would like to get to know their neighbors and improve communication between neighbors, but are not happy with the way things are currently overseen and organized, or with the discrimination some feel they've faced as a result of not attending every organized social function.
As I suspected, there are other residents who have difficulty with social situations and choose to lay low at times but have heard negative comments made about themselves as a result.
So it seems I'm not the only one who has had to deal with these unfriendly comments or attitudes from some committee members.
Others are not comfortable with the extremist "Pro Management" attitude of these committees and organizations or the cliques and class elements that they believe exists within them.
Living North or South of Bayou Avenue, we are all residents of Langley Grove Estates and those in the North Sections expect the same opportunities and respect as those in the South sections!
Residents should be encouraged to communicate and get to know each other, but with respect and at their own pace. Judging people by how often they leave their homes or how often they attend social functions just creates more community division and mistrust.
So let's all try to work together
now and see if we can maybe solve some of these communication problems and hostilities between residents and committee members. I think a little more transparency and accessibility would be a good way to start. Remember, we're not all "meetings" kind of people but we may still be interested in what's going on and what's being discussed.
At the Municipal level:
I've also accidentally obtained an internal communication intended to be sent from one RCMP/Township employee to another RCMP/Township employee that perfectly demonstrates how correct residents are to distrust and avoid certain committees and organizations at present.
That communication and all those involved are being dealt with at this time or will soon be dealt with and there will likely be some very visible changes in the way this one organization communicates and interacts with residents as a result.
The November Newsletter already indicates that at least one subject of this investigation has been prompted to improve their communication skills. Although that was likely more a result of recent articles written here, discussions I've attempted to have with them, and communications between the various park committees and organizations.
I doubt the full impact of this official investigation has even made it to the local level yet.
I will offer one bit of advice to that organization now though.
While a good working relationship with management is of course essential, your mandate is to serve the residents of this community.
You have no business at all promoting or reflecting management views that further damage community relations or discourage any form of open communication between residents.
This Community Website is not one resident's "personal website" as you have previously claimed and you should all be actively encouraging residents to communicate with each other, in any way possible, if your Society's mandate is at all important to you.
QUOTE from Vancouver PD Block Watch:
Block Watch is an interactive community program and there are requirements to maintaining an active block.
Being "Interactive" should include being open and accessible to all residents, regardless of their physical or social abilities or disabilities.
Transparency, accountability, honesty, and accessibility.
A few simple concepts that everyone needs to think more about.
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