No matter where you are on your community development journey, one of the most important points to remember is to give it time.
Meaningful, intentional community development cannot be rushed. It requires authentic relationship building, taking the time to find the right people, and ensuring everyone’s voice can be heard.
Our project was the creation of a Community Champion Coalition, initially starting our growth in Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope. Our end goal is to have Community Champions across the country, who are certified in Mental Health First Aid, to keep a pulse on the issues impacting mental health at a community level. It was, and is, an ambitious goal. And we’ve learned to not rush the process.
Over the summer, a team with a shared goal and vision has been formed. Recently, we were able to complete our MHFA training. Planning is actively underway to host a series of community circles in our regions to spark meaningful mental health conversations in our communities.
So how do you find the right team of people? Particularly in rural communities? Network, network, network. Social media posts and ads are not enough. Get in the community, meet people, share your ideas, listen to theirs, and seek room for collaboration. Then create a snowball effect. Introduce your new connections to people you know, and ask them to do the same. Look for support service organizations for how they can support your ideas, you never know where you might find partnership.
In addition to learning to not rush things and trusting the process, the importance of using digital tools that are accessible for free to support our work while maintaining boots on the ground connections was amplified. When working to strengthen multiple communities, and working to create bonds amongst neighbouring rural communities, we need a multi-pronged approach. Our group is beginning to use Discord to help us connect virtually when in-person is not accessible. It also allows our team to be more responsive to mental health needs in the moment.
Mental health care requires community. It benefits from each of us taking care of one another.
