Turn complainers into the Pillars of the Community

What do you do about the people who just complain about everything but don’t ever take any action? That was one of the questions when I visited Caldwell, Kansas, recently. Here’s my advice:

Recruit them to join the Pillars of the Community: to show up and encourage people.

They can show up with their lawn chairs and cheer at the mural painting day, the big parade, the kids’ performances, or anything else going on.

Can’t bend over to pick up trash on clean up day? Bring your folding chair and be encouraging! You’re a Pillar of the Community.

Folks in Caldwell loved this idea. They’re talking about making actual pillars they can set up whenever they go cheer for people. The Pillars of the Community, indeed.

I stole the idea from a group of seniors Deb met in Minnesota. They said they were done volunteering at events, but they wanted to give younger people the benefit of their experience. They would just go set up their lawn chairs at events so they could answer questions. (I mis-remembered the story as cheering people on, and I think that it’s even better this way.)

Here’s why this works. It helps people feel relevant.

At a Dakota Resources virtual coffee meeting, gerontologist Leacy Brown said when people don’t feel relevant any more, they can behave in ways that aren’t positive or helpful. She suggested finding ways to help them be meaningful participants, even if they’re not in charge.

Those Minnesota seniors told Deb they want to be recognized as the pillars of the community, and that’s not too much to ask.

Anyone can be a Pillar of the Community.

There’s no minimum or maximum age.

Former complainers and doers both welcome, as long as you’ll cheer and be encouraging.

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are new in town, you’re in.

Don’t have a lawn chair? I bet we can find an extra for you.

Keep shaping a better future for your town,

Becky