I finally got around to opening the December digital version of RCSC Update (formerly called Sun Views). While much of it was still in the old format, the name change and headline story was captivating. I have made no bones about it, the RCSC course correction by the board and management is exciting to watch. We/they are clearly headed in a new direction. Here's the story that grabbed me: We are proud to introduce important changes in how we communicate with RCSC Members and Cardholders to help you connect to the information you need in the easiest and most efficient way. As a first step, we present to you this month, some updates to our flagship publication, now known as Sun City Update – with more changes to come in the New Year. For starters, you should have immediately noted the larger type font size introduced throughout this publication along with some improvements to the design and layout. Work will continue to evolve in all aspects of communications including updates to the RCSC website and new systems being implemented to track comments, compliments and requests. There will also be a pronounced and dynamic focus towards serving Members, including extensive support for RCSC staff on the front lines whose daily contact and conversations make lasting impressions on residents and visitors, whether you’re new to Sun City or having been enjoying it for years. Changes will evolve over time, so we appreciate your support and patience, but the final goal is a future that incorporates the desires and needs of those in our community, allowing for opportunities to become more involved and committed to caring, compassion and consistent application of the necessary guidelines and policies. And to have fun along the journey! Damn, that's just good stuff on so many levels. Change is hard. I know i have been accused of being against change and wanting to cling to the past, more times than i can count. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've gone through more iterations and reinventing myself (and more importantly organizations) than i care to admit to. What i've always expected, when adopting change, was the capacity/ability to articulate why and what the ultimate goal or purpose was. If you have some idea of the expected outcome, you've got a far better chance to reach it. I know, way too damned logical for some. In the commentary above, the conclusion was concise and on point: "but the final goal is a future that incorporates the desires and needs of those in our community, allowing for opportunities to become more involved and committed to caring, compassion and consistent application of the necessary guidelines and policies. If that wasn't enough to strike your fancy, then the conclusion goes to the very heart and soul of the matter: "And to have fun along the journey!"
No doubt it was encouraging, however, I think the lack of response is based on the apprehension that it may be too soon to tell? "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me!" We have previously heard of many "good things to come" but are still waiting three General Manager's later! Remember the outcome of the Ad Hoc Bylaws Committee that we all had hoped would finally give the Members more standing? Only took 2 years for some of those wishes to come to fruition. And can anybody spell "Performing Arts Theater"? How many years has that been a promise? I applaud your optimism but I'm still in the "Let's just wait and see" mode. I am encouraged by the new NEWS as well as the pending Outreach & Communications Committee and I'm encouraged that the new board members were the ones promoted by the Sun City Advocates. Let's just hope all our Directors are on the same page and we can finally move forward and get things done. First things first, lets see who's elected as the new board officers. And I think the first board meeting will reveal how compatible its members are? Time will tell! Hoping for the best.
Over the years, i've had to learn acceptance. It's a tough ask for people who are classic A type personalities. I was almost blessed to be an alcoholic. Recovery was steeped in understanding and accepting how screwed up we were and how imperfect we are. While it would be easy to get angry at what is going on, i find myself looking at whomever is doing it and hoping and praying they recover from the need to try and make others miserable. It's kind of a sad and pathetic way to live but perhaps it's all they have to live for.
