Per Capital, Milwaukee stands
like many cities all around America in terms of its aspirations, challenges and
people. Nevertheless, it is a city that continues to look for answers of how
best to provide for the basic quality of life needs of its residents. Those
needs include food, education, safety, employment, housing and health care. The
central question to be answered is “How are those needs being met?”
Community in Transition
Milwaukee like others metropolitan cities is made up of numerous neighborhoods that are contextually changing each and every day... with people moving in and out… with people moving forward and backward… with people living above their means and with no means… with people on the go and standing still… with people living well and in poverty… with people in the know and those who do not care… with people making a different and those who are indifferent…and with people as leaders and those who need leaders. In all, it’s the people; the blending of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds that make each city in America so unique.
Rebranding the City's Image
Nearly a decade ago, Milwaukee began a campaign of rebranding itself in the light of the changing economic and business climate in the 21st Century. That rebranding of the city as “An American Genuine City” speaks volumes of what businesses, civic and community leaders saw as necessary in order to move the city forward. However, that rebranding or “vision” has been quiet difficult to see in many of the inner city neighborhoods. Things appear to be lost in translation. If you ask people in neighborhoods across the city and ask them what is the vision for the city of Milwaukee, no one really knows… much less care…nor less what does it really mean?
Concern for Everyday Life
People in the neighborhood are more concerned about what is happening in their daily lives…what is happening on their block. It not about what they feel… it is not about what they believe… it is not about what they dream about…but rather it is what that they have experienced, know and witnessed. Their hopes and dreams are one thing…but the reality of everyday life is what makes a difference… and making their daily life better is what really counts.
Does a Vision for the City Exists
Steven Covey highlights in his book, “Principle Centered Leadership” (1992) that a “mission” only describes what you are about, but a “vision” is where you are going. The critical question today for residents in a particular neighborhood in Milwaukee is “What is your Vision? How do you see yourselves, what are your values, what are you hopes and dreams for a better community? Any neighborhood determined to improve the quality of life of those who live within its boundary must first come together and set that “vision” in place; the vision cannot come from the outside but must come from within. Secondly, there must be buy in of that “vision” by neighborhood residents. More importantly, a shared vision is quiet powerful and meaningful, for it sets the tone, builds collaborative and momentum. Lastly, a “vision” provides the inspiration, the hope, and the dream of what is possible.
Community in Transition
Milwaukee like others metropolitan cities is made up of numerous neighborhoods that are contextually changing each and every day... with people moving in and out… with people moving forward and backward… with people living above their means and with no means… with people on the go and standing still… with people living well and in poverty… with people in the know and those who do not care… with people making a different and those who are indifferent…and with people as leaders and those who need leaders. In all, it’s the people; the blending of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds that make each city in America so unique.
Rebranding the City's Image
Nearly a decade ago, Milwaukee began a campaign of rebranding itself in the light of the changing economic and business climate in the 21st Century. That rebranding of the city as “An American Genuine City” speaks volumes of what businesses, civic and community leaders saw as necessary in order to move the city forward. However, that rebranding or “vision” has been quiet difficult to see in many of the inner city neighborhoods. Things appear to be lost in translation. If you ask people in neighborhoods across the city and ask them what is the vision for the city of Milwaukee, no one really knows… much less care…nor less what does it really mean?
Concern for Everyday Life
People in the neighborhood are more concerned about what is happening in their daily lives…what is happening on their block. It not about what they feel… it is not about what they believe… it is not about what they dream about…but rather it is what that they have experienced, know and witnessed. Their hopes and dreams are one thing…but the reality of everyday life is what makes a difference… and making their daily life better is what really counts.
Does a Vision for the City Exists
Steven Covey highlights in his book, “Principle Centered Leadership” (1992) that a “mission” only describes what you are about, but a “vision” is where you are going. The critical question today for residents in a particular neighborhood in Milwaukee is “What is your Vision? How do you see yourselves, what are your values, what are you hopes and dreams for a better community? Any neighborhood determined to improve the quality of life of those who live within its boundary must first come together and set that “vision” in place; the vision cannot come from the outside but must come from within. Secondly, there must be buy in of that “vision” by neighborhood residents. More importantly, a shared vision is quiet powerful and meaningful, for it sets the tone, builds collaborative and momentum. Lastly, a “vision” provides the inspiration, the hope, and the dream of what is possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment