Marcel, Brenda and Hurricane Bill in Nova Scotia (August 20 – 21, 2009)

On our way to Nova Scotia, we stopped in Truro. Thanks to Wendy Robichaud from the Colchester-East Hants Public Library, the Coastal Communities Network and many other groups, for bringing people together.

It was a great opportunity to hear from some of the smaller organizations in a small community. A good reminder too about the reality of the sector – one individual was not able to join us because the second and only other person in that office happened to be ill that day!

We had participation from one of the surrounding municipalities (East Hants – Department of Recreation & Culture). They play a major role in helping more than 30 organizations in their community. We sometimes forget that connection. It was great to have them there.

A good discussion was had about the challenge of attracting and retaining staff – a challenge that is not restricted to larger communities.

In Halifax, Margaret Fraser arranged for us to join a meeting of the Federation of Community Organizations. This is a growing group of organizations in the Halifax area who come together on issues of common concern. We much appreciate the opportunity to join them.

We heard again that we need a paradigm shift in how we think and talk about ourselves as sector. One participant described the sector as the earth’s immune system.  A book by Paul Hawken, Blessed Unrest by Viking Press was suggested as a very good read to help us think about what is possible.  Check out this 5 minute video on the book that is worth watching.

We thankfully were able to leave Halifax before the arrival of Hurricane Bill and were very happy to hear afterwards that damage had been much less than anticipated.

~Brenda