We, therefore declare…
Our Lives, Our Futures, Our Sacred Honor The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are often confused: Today we celebrate the separation which began our unique experiment in democracy, which continues – an experiment with many iterations, attempts, successes, failures, and everything that goes with it. We practice democracy every day. It is not a static word but a verb which …
A-Z Engage: F = Fire
A 🔥 Checklist It seems like all the “Double Digit” versions are packed at the beginning, but these are worth their separate space, even though they’re also related to Disaster and Emergency… Fire Safety Checklist A handy one-page Fire Safety Checklist for Homeowners and Renters that helps you quickly check if your home is protected. It covers escape planning, working smoke and …
A-Z Engage: F = First Responder
The Form on the Fridge That Could Save Your Life Johnson County’s MED-ACT team has a tool that makes that conversation a little easier and more practical. It’s called the File of Life form. You fill out your critical health information — medications, preferred hospital, your doctor’s name — slip it into a bright red sleeve, and put it on …
A-Z Engage: E = Emergency
Double Dose of E Here’s another double dose, but this time it’s E. While this is similar to the Disaster information under D, it includes tangible tools and external sources you can find anywhere, like the Red Cross, if your county does not have these resources. Emergency Kit Checklist The essentials for what you need to have ready on standby …
A-Z Engage: E = Election
Democracy Needs a Crew – YOU! Voting gets all the glory. But democracy doesn’t actually run itself on Election Day. It runs on people. People who show up at 6 a.m. to set up tables, help confused voters find their booth, explain the ballot, troubleshoot the machine, and stay until every last vote is counted. Paid poll workers in Johnson …
A-Z Engage: D = Disaster
The Knock You Fear Last week’s “D” had so much content I wanted to share that started with Disaster and combining them didn’t seem natural, so you get D&D… A little something for my fellow Gen Xers who came of age during the 90s – I hear D&D is having quite the revival? Household Disaster Plan A template that helps families get …
A-Z Engage: D = Deliver
The Knock That Changes Everything “I thought I was delivering lunch. Turns out I was delivering Tuesday.” For some seniors receiving meals through your County’s Aging and Human Services program, that knock at the door is the only face-to-face human contact they’ll have all day. Let that sit for a second. We talk a lot about loneliness as a public …
A-Z Guide: C = Career
Could You Work FOR the Community? Here’s something Forbes figured out that a lot of us haven’t: Johnson County Government is one of the best midsized employers in America. Top 5 in Kansas. I know. Not what most people picture when they think “government job.” But here’s the civic conversation I want to start: who do you imagine when you picture …
A-Z Engage: B = Board
Bored Meeting? No, BOARD Meeteing! When I speak to groups, I encourage attendees to connect with their elected officials and offer to be a resource on areas of specialty – professional OR personal. Share that knowledge to beef up your elected officials’ understanding of the issues! After last week’s recommendation – A for Attend – are you ready for the …
A-Z Engage: A = Attend
Service is a Verb! From the Guide: A Attend the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, home of the Johnson County Museum. Information about the exhibit “Everyday Democracy” For those outside Kansas – visit a local museum – the more local, the better. Is there a museum about your county or city? They’re a great place to hear incredible stories …