Claire Ryan’s latest FUSION Saint John article appeared in today’s Telegraph-Journal:
This month, FUSION is celebrating its fifth anniversary, a milestone for which the entire city can take a little credit. FUSION has given hundreds of Saint Johners an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our city; in turn, our members are playing a major part in the shift in perceptions our city is experiencing.
To mark this milestone, we asked our members to share their perspective on what is happening in the city. In an online survey, we asked, “What are the most significant shifts you’ve seen in Greater Saint John in the past five years?”
The answers were surprising. There are a number of things happening in Greater Saint John, but many of the people who participated in the survey did not identify a person, place or project. Rather, they commented on the changing attitudes and positive outlook people have about the city these days.
As one participant noted, “The city feels more alive and vibrant with an active population involved in making ours a great community. Whether we are focusing on poverty, the environment or literacy rates, it is electrifying to see so many young people wanting to be involved.”
In bringing our members together and encouraging them to share ideas, work together and be part of the change that is happening in Saint John, FUSION has set a new standard for community engagement in New Brunswick. And it has done so on a limited budget and entirely under the direction of volunteers.
Beyond FUSION’s membership, countless businesses and organizations have recognized the value of this type of organization, and have gotten behind our events and initiatives. As a result of these collaborative partnerships, FUSION has been able to reach and engage so many Saint Johners. In exchange for this support, FUSION members are often asked to give feedback, attend events and join boards and committees. The belief that change can happen as a result of working together has disseminated throughout the city, and there is a new sense of optimism, especially among the younger demographic. Another survey participant put it bluntly: “Over the last five years there has been a shift from a defeatist to a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
For those who have never attended a FUSION event or encountered a member, it is important to know members and committees are not content to rest on their laurels. FUSION is celebrating five great years, with eyes to the future, and continuing to propel the new belief. Learnings from the past five years will be applied as FUSION continues to engage its members, future members and Saint Johners seeking out new opportunities for citizens to become active in the decisions being made in, and for, our community.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
