Champions for Change is a three-month fellowship program for new and emerging leaders to learn in collaboration with folks across the state. Fellows focus on strengths-based leadership, building and leading teams, facilitating meetings, and capturing community stories. Director of Boone Memorial Health Community Foundation, Victor Farmer, shares his experiences with the program.
I was born in North Carolina. My Father was a career Marine and his last duty station was in North Carolina. I moved to West Virginia in 1996 and to Madison in 2001. I have been very involved in community affairs since I was in College and believe very strongly in the power of peaceful positive change. Madison reminds me a lot of where I grew up. The people are down to Earth and friendly, kind, caring, individuals. Madison has seen a lot of changes recently but it is the belief in community and knowing that we can make it better that is the forward driving force currently.
I participated in the fall of 2023. I received some information in an online newsletter and was intrigued. I wanted then and now to get to know more individuals who have a passion for making the places we live better.
My biggest takeaway was a reaffirmation of what I know to be true in that there are a lot of really great people throughout West Virginia. As individuals we sometimes think ours might be a unique situation or circumstance, but once you scratch the surface you see we are all in the same boat, wondering the same things, and that the best way to make that boat move and get some answers is to row together.
Begin by attending local government meetings. City or town council meetings or County Commission meetings. Listen to the issues and meet folks there who also want to learn more about what is going on. Talk about the issues. Ours is a great democracy and in your hands is the power to motivate and move mountains. A single drop of water can’t move a boulder but a torrent of want most certainly can. Head for the boulder and dare others to follow.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn