Why are we going through all of this again?
Last week I sat down with my colleague and friend, Brenda Herchmer, to develop a draft strategic plan for the National Benefits Portal and Database. (http://benefits.acecommunities.ca) Upon reflection, it was really a framework for how we might lead or encourage our field (and others) to move beyond the hard copy catalogue of 1997 to a fully engaged and empowered Benefits Movement.
Ouch! This was no small task for two people on a snowy (May) morning but thankfully this IS our passion and if not us then WHO?
We had both pulled out resources from our files (closets, boxes or whatever) that might hold valuable information for this task. What ensued was a rewarding but also rather frustrating process.
We combed through phenomenal resources and samples of program brochures, communication plans and “how to guides” – all that had been created specifically to encourage the use of the benefits research in bettering our services and positioning our field. We marveled at the talent and were surprised at the staying power of the resources; it was as if they were developed just yesterday – still relevant. We celebrated the work that has been done (both personal and that of our colleagues) but it really begged the question …..
“Why are we going through all this again?”
Maybe the readiness wasn’t there in the 90’s. Maybe people were not desperate enough to change? Did they not see the value, or couldn’t make the time? Maybe the resources were the wrong tools for the job, or perhaps they were difficult to access. I’m sure that there are many reasons and excuses, but the fact is - the Benefits Movement of the 90’s did not reach its full potential!
I think the biggest reason that the benefits movement did not reach its potential was not due to what one individual did or didn’t do. I believe that it is because we lacked the COLLECTIVE WILL– the will to change, the will to show that we CAN be the very best and that we DO change lives.
We change lives - one person at a time, one program at a time, one leader at a time, one community at a time. The benefits movement is not about only preaching what we practice (from the great evidence and statements) but about ensuring our practices reflect what we believe and what we preach.
We are fortunate in 2010 to have technology and resources that can support our collective vision. We have leadership and knowledge and experience. What we need is you – to declare your interest and your will to be a part of the movement. The Benefits Portal can be a vehicle but it takes us all, COLLECTIVELY, to build a movement. Let’s show that we ARE and CAN BE the very best!
