Friday, July 24, 2009

Tim Cofield at Rhythm and Noon: “Stand by Me”

Today, the Stand team set up at Rhythm and Noon, a concert series providing music in Miller Plaza to those in need of mid-day relaxation.  We had the pleasure of listening to 2009 MakeWork grant recipient and current SpringBoard business planning course student Tim Cofield.  Shadows and a brisk breeze cooled off the area, and Cofield and Co. pleased us with calming harmonies.

While various faces enjoyed an outdoor lunch and a much needed break from the Friday grind, the Stand team canvassed the area to find out what makes Chattanooga special, and what we can do to help. “I love the lake!”, giggled one girl who’s mother I was speaking to. “I do too!”, I responded, realizing that our efforts were going to directly impact this child’s life.  As much the as Stand team would like to improve Chattanooga for ourselves, the next generation will truly be the beneficiary of all of our hard work.

Four questions are all it takes to envision a better Chattanooga. As we draw closer to our goal of 25,000 surveys completed, it becomes clearer that this program isn’t just an external, automated process to find out what Chattanooga residents think. This is the collaboration of humans who want to take hold of their community and solidify what is important to them. 

As Rhythm and Noon wrapped up, Cofield ended his set with a minimalist version of “Stand by me”.  I realized that although the Stand program is young, the the upcoming results will be everlasting.

Fill out the quick survey and help us take a Stand. You could win $250!
 
By Bijan Dhanani, Economy Fellow