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Wheeler Creek CDC Executive Director Message
Change.
It is inevitable. It's unavoidable. It's reality. How we approach
it will determine where we end up at the close of the day.
If we dread change like the plague then we can be sure that-like
the old adage contends- we will always do what we've always done
and we will get what we've always gotten. While we might think
we're being safe, we are actually only being fearful. Stopping
ourselves dead in our tracks before we can really get started.
When we do that we are in fact being our own worse enemy. And,
when we do that we fail to give ourselves the best opportunity
to succeed.
Since our last newsletter, your CSSP has been changing. It has
not been easy, but it is reality. Since our inception we have
continued to be inspired and instructed by what we do and how
we do it. We recognize that as we work to better our program,
change will be the only constant that we will be able to depend
on. Because with every new opportunity we embrace, there will
be modifications and adjustments. We are always looking for ways
to improve even the most amazing program.
We never want to hang out in a place where there is no room-or
vision- for improvement. Because the end of each and every amazing
program began with an unwillingness to change, a lack of vision,
and a failure to recognize that no one and nothing can stop change.
Recently, I was invited to teach a class of young people at Howard
University interested in the revitalization of communities like
ours. They understand the need for change… strategic change,
well-thought out change, change with a purpose. They are learning
that whether by design or surprise, change should be approached
with an open mind and expectancy of good results. They are learning
that with every change comes an opportunity.
Wally
"Famous" Amos, the first person to open stores devoted
solely to selling cookies, once said, "Too many people fear
change. They cling to the familiar old shoe even if it cuts off
circulation to their toes." Indeed, change should not be
a source of discouragement, but rather a stimulus to take advantage
of new opportunities. The common sense approach to dealing with
change is to: 1) Reassess the situation; 2) Take advantage of
each and every opportunity; and 3) Refuse to be intimidated by
the circumstances.
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