June Can Do! meeting features pillars and committees

Can Do! (Charlotte Networking for Development Opportunity) has been drawing large numbers of attendees who are interested in the prosperity and vitality of the region to its monthly meetings.
“When action items arise during our monthly strategic discussions, those projects go to one of Can Do!’s pillars or committees,” said Barbara Fulton, Can Do! chairperson. “That’s where the action happens.”
This month, the leaders of those action groups will discuss the innovations, projects and community engagement happening within those pillars and committees. They will take center stage at 7 a.m., Wednesday, June 22, at the Charlotte Community Library.
The speakers on the panel include Adrian Bass, representing the Leadership Pillar, Kellie Hanford, representing the Entrepreneur Pillar, Bill Barnes, representing the Youth Pillar, Christi Dutcher, representing the Charitable Assets Pillar, Bryan Myrkle, representing the Marketing Committee, and Patrick Sustrich, representing Charlotte Step-By-Step.
The Can Do! pillars began about 10 years ago, springing from a national program called Hometown Competitiveness. A similar program was adopted in Charlotte as Hometown Partnerships and is based on the concept of four pillars that support not only the community, but are also interdependent. The four pillars are Youth, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Charitable Assets.
“The basic concept is that, without any one of these, a community is not complete,” Fulton explained.
The program recognizes that the future depends on creating dynamic attractive community opportunities, drawing individuals and families who want to get involved, creating and supporting new businesses, and sustaining a strong community foundation.
Can Do! has blended the Hometown Partnership approach with the Seven Elements of Healthy Communities: Environment, Basic Needs, Health and Wellness, Education, Economy, Arts and Culture, and Neighborhoods and Communities. Each month, Can Do! programs examine one of the Seven Elements from the standpoint of community vitality and prosperity.  The June program is a special exception, when the pillars or committees demonstrate how they work related to the multiple elements of healthy communities.
Those who attend the Can Do! meeting have the option to bring their smart phones, if they have them, to participate in an anonymous survey about our community.
The Charlotte Community Library is located at 226 S. Bostwick Street in Charlotte.
Can Do! is a community networking group designed to engage community members to support economic development and quality of life initiatives. Free meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month are open to everyone, and feature speakers and topics relative to the promotion and development of the Charlotte community.
For more information about Can Do! please visit Can Do!’s Facebook page or CharlotteCanDo.org or email charlottecando@gmail.com.

Article submitted by Can Do!