Reimagining A Great Day

Shared by: Cate M. (Founder & Director, Be The Ones)

Well, it’s officially 2024 and we’re halfway through January. We’ve spent these first few weeks (after a long winter’s nap) planning for the year ahead, out in community sharing conversations and meals with folks, and finding “great day” moments (curious? keep scrolling).

We’ve also been working through a treasure trove of election reports, data, community surveys & feedback that’s helping to inform our year(s) ahead. 👀 Keep your eyes peeled for a 2023 TLDR report & 2024 playbook coming soon. 👀

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to pick up a very special 3 year old at his speech therapy appointment. This little human greeted me with a big smile, a hug that almost knocked me over, and joyfully exclaimed: “I had a great day today. Did you have a great day?”

It was 10am. He had already had a great day?

I paused, chuckled and said, “you know what, I’ve had a great day too.”

We often reserve inquiries about each other’s days or reflections on our own days for the evenings; the conclusions of whatever that day held for us.

But, what if we dared to redefine the timestamps around a “great day” to include the beginning, middle, or anywhere in between.

On the way back to his house, I asked why his day was so great: “I took off my socks & shoes all by myself and had goldfish.”

What if we reimagined what we defined as a “great day”?

We live in a world that often measures success by big achievements and significant milestones and measured timeframes.

What if a “great day” really was as simple as a bag of goldfish before 10am?

The next day, I had a call with a funder who asked how we will measure success after November 5th (ps. that’s Election Day this year), what metrics we‘ll use to determine (in my own words: our “great day”).

“While data and metrics have their place, let’s broaden our perspective,” I said.

Instead of focusing solely on electoral victories (or losses), the number of new voters registered, % increase of voter turnout from previous years — all determined after the outcomes of November 5th, let’s shift the narrative towards including things like building engaged & informed communities, collaboration, centering & celebrating joy, fostering a sense of collective responsibility within the community, creating opportunities where they don’t exist.

In 2024, could a “great day” look like:

• Engaged communities of intersecting backgrounds seeking information about local candidates & issues, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and making informed decisions that align with their values. Success is not measured by a ballot cast on November 5th but rather an informed and empowered electorate.
• Creating opportunities for folks not motivated to vote in the Presidential election but rather are actively involved in shaping local policies directly impacting their lives and neighborhoods. Success is not measured by voter turnout but fostering a sense of community ownership in the progress towards healthier, livable communities.
• Encouraging collaborative decision-making processes that include constituents, community organizations, and leaders addressing local challenges. Success is not measured by the end result but the journey of collectively shaping their future.
• Amplifying and celebrating small civic wins throughout the year — not just after Election Day. Success is those moments of joy and celebration…. eating flavor blasted goldfish before 10am.

How will you reimagine and redefine your “great day” this year? Grab a bag of goldfish and let et us know in the comments.