First of all, a quick reminder that our CIAS Christmas party is this coming Monday evening, Nov. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse at the Cochrane Ranche. Anyone interested in the arts in Cochrane is invited to come – bring your spouse or a guest with you. We’re also asking that you bring some finger foods or munchies – we’ll provide the drinks – coffee, tea, etc. And if you’d like to be part of the fun, bring a $5 wrapped gift exchange item. I think down deep all of us long for community – to be part of something where we are loved, accepted and encouraged. That’s why we join various organizations, clubs, or groups. If you find a group that espouses and lives the values you hold and that matter to you, being part of that group can be very positive and beneficial. It will give you a place where not only can you be who you really are, but it will challenge and encourage you to do and become all that you can be as well. In other words, it will bring out the best in you and help you discover that you have more to give than you thought you did. Values are not just nice words or phrases you use to make you look good, these are the things we need to live out and make part of our culture. That’s why one of the first things I did with the arts group that has now become CIAS, was to ask for a list of values I’m including that list below, but first I have two questions I want to put to you today. They represent two important components that I think are part of being part of a community. The first question is, What do you want from this group? What are you looking for personally when it comes to being part of the arts community here in Cochrane? Or part of any group you consider becoming a member of? The clearer you are about what you need and want from a group, the better. That way you can make wiser decisions about joining in the first place – is this group really a good fit for you? I would encourage you to take the time to make a list for yourself of what it is you want from CIAS or any arts group you are, or are considering, being part of. The second question is: What are you willing to give to this arts group? If you are only looking at what you want or hope to get from a group, then there is a problem. For any group to be successful, every member needs to be a contributing part of it. I don’t think any group can survive long term without that. If all you have is a dedicated team at the top and a bunch of hangers-on who just come for what they can get, the chances of it lasting are slim. Then there’s also the thought about getting out of something what you put into it. So I think it’s equally important that you honestly answer this second question – what do you have to give and what are you willing to give as a member of this community? To help you with these questions, here’s the list of values that were put forward in those early meetings.
- community, relationships, teamwork, connection, mentoring
- respecting, valuing, encouraging and supporting each person and their potential
- experiencing, participating, being involved
- diversity of media and talent levels
- creativity
- continuous growth
- freedom to experiment, risk, fail and learn as part of the growth and development process, constructive critique, not criticized, encouraged
- freedom to speak truth
- integrity – do our best, for the good for the community, honesty
- inspiration leading to inner motivation
- excellence
- fun, play, joy, delight, awe, wonder
- contribution, making a difference
- being aware of the human needs for security, variety, significance, love & connection, growth and contribution
