Create West Virginia

Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical plan once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our children are going to do things that will stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon, beauty.

Think big.

- Daniel Burnham, 19th Century Architect who planned the Chicago World’s Fair

What does diversity mean to you? Do you see it as something to worry about, or something to aspire to? Does the term make you nervous? Excited? Angry? 

At Create WV, we advocate that our communities and organizations strive for diversity as a treasured asset. Not just for a basic level of equality and fairness, but for a competitive asset for our state. Diversity can lead to more creative solutions, more business startups and more opportunities for all.

Many folks have been to a lot of conferences...and well, we aren't always eager to go to another one! Sitting in boring seminars, eating bad food, listening to panel speakers without much to say...who needs more of that?

Wheeling, WV: The fourth annual Create West Virginia conference is coming to the Friendly City October 17-19, 2010. This statewide celebration of creative community building is designed to spark new economic growth in West Virginia.

The rise of many new Generation West Virginia groups across the state is one of the most positive developments in many years. For young people to finally have a place where they can connect, organize and spark change in West Virginia is exactly what has been needed for quite a long time.

You know how people have some relatives that you dont' really know that well, even though they don't live that far away? For whatever reason, you just never hung out with them much growing up.

Then one day, you actually take some time to get to know them. Maybe you hung out at a family reunion, or they took the initiative and reached out to invite you over. And they turn out to be really cool and you hit if off quite nicely.

This year's West Virginia Day conversation topic from Jason Keeling and his A Better West Virginia blog is "Networking for a Better West Virginia."

Networking is defined as "the cultivation of productive relationships." Communities seeking to renew themselves to thrive in the new economy must embrace networking as a core skill.

A guest post by Nell Fleming, Racial Justice Coordinator, YWCA Charleston

Why do some places prosper while others stagnate?  What are the key ingredients for a successful community economically and in spirit?