Years ago, at the start of my work in community development,
I was a Recreation Director in a rural Alberta community. To introduce myself to the residents, I
joined in as many community events as I could.
One afternoon, I went out to a small hamlet to attend a ladies’ social
gathering. Admittedly nervous, I was
quickly put at ease by the warm welcome from the women. We sat around a kitchen table in a mobile
home, enjoying coffee, tea, and cake, and chatting about the recreation and
social needs of their families. And, at
the end of the visit, I won the door prize, which as the newcomer in the group,
I really didn’t think I deserved. I
don’t remember what the door prize was.
I do remember the kindness and the willingness of the women to accept me
into their group. I went back for many
visits and work projects.
Fast forward (and the years have flown by!) to last
week. I sat with a group of interesting,
passionate, and funny women; all dedicated to improving their community. We
gathered in one of the women’s lovely home; drinking coffee, tea and water and
eating the most yummy fruit crepes and banana bread. Like the conversation at the gathering many
years earlier, we laughed, vented, discussed passionately, and made plans to
make their community a more welcoming and inclusive place. And yes, as I left, I was given a parting
gift. It wasn’t a door prize yet was a
gesture of generosity and camaraderie.
