One Ohio community has decided not to wait on a government bailout to move it towards transformational change, but to take things into its own hands, literally. A recent article describes how Licking County officials "spent $12,500 ordering more than 1,400 volumes of [a] book—a self-help manual of sorts for the economically challenged—and sent it home with teachers, preachers, farmers and politicians." What book are they putting into people's hands? It's called Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond, reviewed as:
a fascinating book about how Kalamazoo, Michigan has leveraged community resources [including philanthropy] and spirit to revitalize its economy in the face of the massive forces of globalization. Weaving in compelling stories from around the world, the book outlines a revolutionary new economic development strategy that leaders of all stripes can embrace to re-imagine a better future for their communities and organizations.
Several years ago, our community libraries worked together to present a community-wide book-read. Are we still doing that? If so, I haven't heard about it. In addition to liking the "boot-strappy" nature of this effort in Licking County (that's just me), I like the idea of using something as simple (and inexpensive) as a book to inform the conversations we have with one another about what's possible if we focus our collective force-of-will on making positive change. I don't know about you, but I think we could use more of that around here. What do you think?
--Cindy Bailie
Ed: Let's talk and see where this idea goes. Cindy
Posted by: Cynthia Bailie | March 11, 2009 at 01:04 PM
Ron Kitchens is a wonderful inspiration. We are working now in Kokomo, and we have used Ron's strategies and guidance. I'm sure you'd be willing to come to Northeast Ohio to make a presentation.
Posted by: Ed Morrison | March 11, 2009 at 08:02 AM