IGNITE Greenville

Classic City

Well, well, well. No posts as of late. Hmmm. I guess everyone has been busy. Did anyone see the article on ESPN.com about Greenville? It had to do with the Bassmasters Classic coming to the Upstate last weekend. It’s really a cool profile on our community. And, on a nationwide scale.

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=3244659

Music Alert…

Hello folks!

A little break in the chain of conversation, but if we aim to use this blog to get a word out on all things Greenville I wanted to alert you of a stellar little band playing at the HANDLEBAR on FEBRUARY 22.

FLOREZ is a pop rock band in town from Nashville. They are a group of super talented Furman grads, tons of great fun, and absolutely worth checking out!

Hope to see some of you there!

Rockin’ And Rollin’

I have been messing around. Expect more updates to this blog site. Get to posting people…

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO JEN GOFF. SHE SPENT AN HOUR AND A HALF TEACHING ME CRAZY HTML CODE AND OTHER NONSENSE. SHE IS THE SIREN OF IGNITEGREENVILLE!

Today, Plain. Tomorrow, Spectacular!

So, I am meeting with a Blogsome expert today to learn how to make this blog look incredible. So, get ready to see some superb changes tomorrow. A logo, perhaps a countdown timer to the next meeting, etc. Just wait.

The Business of Engagement

As printed in GSA Business

Do you have someone who inspired you to make a difference in the community? Is there someone who challenged you to get involved? Everyone needs someone who inspired, shaped, and encouraged them. Maybe it was a teacher. Maybe it was a coach or a Sunday School advisor. Maybe it was the parent of a friend, or maybe was another relative. Mentors and heroes come in all different packages.
Forty years ago, a young Greenville man graduated from Furman University. Joe Vaughn was special. He was the first African American to graduate from Furman. After graduation, Joe chose to teach English in the Greenville County schools. Joe taught me English at Hughes Middle School in 7^th and 8^th grade, and was the best teacher and mentor I have had. He had a gift to inspire and connect with young people. Joe made a difference. Joe Vaughn cared and was engaged.
The Upstate has a history of strong, visionary leaders who have dreamed about what the Upstate can be. Our region is the envy of other communities because of people who stepped up and believed they can change our part of the world. The names are familiar… Heller, Daniel, Hipp, Wyche, Duckett, Furman, Parker, Peace. What made the difference is that not only were they passionate about the Upstate, but channeled this passion to create change.
I recently led a strategic planning retreat for the Board of PULSE, the Greenville Chamber’s young professional’s leadership organization. One of PULSE’s charges is to engage its 500 members in the community. The concern they shared with me was how difficult it is to get involved as a young person. How can we inspire our young people to get involved in making a difference in Greenville?
We need more people to run for public office, more people to vote in our elections, and more people to volunteer with our nonprofit agencies. In the 2006 elections in Greenville County, 62% of the races were unopposed. Three out five races for council, the school board, and the state legislature had only one person running. In the same elections, only 46% of registered voters went to the polls, the lowest participation in fifteen years—just over half of the 84% who voted in the 1992 elections. In the last November’s election, only 15% of voters came to the polls for the city of Greenville elections.
Vision 2025 was created three years ago as Greenville’s roadmap for our future. One of the dreams identified by participants in developing Vision 2025 is increasing community involvement. Vision 2025 has aggressive engagement goals: 75% of voters will vote in all major elections; more citizens volunteer and give to nonprofit agencies; a larger, more diverse, and younger group of people will run for political office. Greenville leads the state in capturing the innovation, intellect, and spirit of its youth in shaping community decisions and directions.
How can the Upstate get more people involved and engaged in community service? Getting involved is easier than people think. The excuses for not getting involved are many. “I don’t have time.” “I don’t know who to call.” “One person like me can’t make a difference.” I strongly disagree. The Upstate offers many ways to make a difference.

Run for political office or a board or commission. The filing date for local elections opens on March 15th. The application deadline for 50 openings on Greenville County Boards and Commissions is February 29^th and applications can be completed online at GreenvilleCounty.org. We need qualified candidates who are willing to serve.
Develop your leadership skills. Greenville is blessed with programs like Furman’s Diversity Leadership Academy and Liberal Arts Leadership program. Leadership Greenville and Opportunity Greenville offer the opportunity to learn more about the community and develop individual passions.
Get Engaged in the Business Community. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Become more involved in your neighborhood association.
Volunteer. Hands On Greenville offers easy, even one time opportunities to volunteer. It’s a great start in a journey of engagement. The robust Hands On Greenville website allows you to search by type of activity, length of commitment, and date. Join the missions work at your church.

Greenville has a history of passionate, involved leadership. The legacy created by our forefathers cannot die. We must make strong personal commitments to challenge the present, inspire the future, and dream of a brighter Upstate.