Blog #4: Priorities

     

            Action expresses priority.

                                 – Mahatma Gandhi

 ‘NSTEP is the definition of a community. The operation of this organization is dependent on maintaining its delivery, which would require identifying the building partnerships with other organizations that understand the need of having the health of Calgarian youth as a priority.

The Process

The initiation of connecting with ‘NSTEP is multidirectional. Organizations have approached ‘NSTEP to include them in development of some objectives. More likely, ‘NSTEP has approached other organizations such as The Running Room and the University of Calgary to engage these groups in the program, what they are expecting and discussing relationships that can be built as a result of shared appreciation for this need. There are two priorities that ‘NSTEP will act on are varied and vast; which is dependent on how the ideas are presented. The priorities must include funding activities to enable ‘NSTEP to continue to be sustainable, or must promote the development of healthy lifestyles in children. These priorities are made evident by the quote by Mahatma Gandhi; ‘NSTEP acts on activities that connect the organization to these two outcomes.

Once the engagement to the idea has taken place, the next step is communication of innovative methods available to execute the idea. This phase requires open minds and creative thinking; both skills are encouraged and supported within this community. If there is missing information or a lack of manpower, additional involvement is sought. This can include expert consultation based on experience or providing a new perspective to determine the feasibility of the project. There is no limit to the connections that will be made in aid of the cause. An example of this is the founder being on a morning run in Vancouver and finding the head of a major grocery chain, so she approached him to identify the organization, the mandate and her involvement.

After all necessary parties are on board, the execution stage is in effect. All members collectively make these ideas a priority and contribute their expertise to the project.

These steps reinforce the quote above, and reiterate the community aspect of the ‘NSTEP program. This program could not exist without a community of support or well identified priorities. As priorities gives the organization direction and leads to action. Priorities are necessary. Without priorities, nothing would get accomplished.

 Everyone has different priorities. What are yours? 

- Dawn