Sail the seven "C's" to change...

Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, devoted citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that has.”

Here is the course these citizens have navigated to reach their destination and so can you.

1. Conviction

2. Courage

3. Counsel

4. Craft

5. Cooperation

6. Communication

7. Commitment

“Here a problem, there a problem, everywhere a problem, problem, oh McDonald had a problem, E, I, E, I, O, OH NO!” The world is full of problems. However, we all have at least one problem that we are passionate about solving, from the microcosm of our local world to the more global community. This is the Conviction and is always the first and easiest part of the journey. It is also the closest to the safe harbor of non-involvement.

Courage is the fortitude to step forth and become involved. It also requires that we assess our attributes, attitude, and resources while looking forward to Commitment.

Counsel, the third “C”, may involve more than just seeking advice from friends or others who have traversed a course similar to your undertaking. The services of an attorney may be necessary. Gather as much information and ideas as possible. It’s a mathematical certainty that the more data collected, the greater the possibilities for the next “C”.

Craft a map of creative solutions.

Next, network Cooperation from as many individuals, organizations, and businesses as possible that may possibly have a stake in the outcome of the resolved problem. Here you may also need to allocate responsibility.

Communicate the objectives, articulate ideas, impart information, and share feelings. This must be a multi-directional process.

Commitment can be the most difficult “C” to navigate. It may entail a return to one or more of the previous “C’s” for continued buoyancy and not sinking from the onslaught of the monsters of doubt and new problems that have surfaced. Keep your sights on the new shore, the destination of resolution and the rewards to be achieved.

You may be a new shipmate or an experienced captain, non-the-less, use this as your sextant for setting sail.