Kretzmann Workshop–a Huge Success!
Dr. John Kretzmann’s message was a success. With over 85 attendees at the seminar, he stressed the importance of focusing on “the half-full glass” when working with communities.
An article written on March 26th in the Bozeman Chronicle stated, “Kretzmann is often referred to as an optimist, [but] he prefers the term realist. “Both parts of the glass are always real and we need to know about both of them. [The realists job is to look] at both parts of the glass.”"
While, most of Kretzmann’s workshop focused on the need for developing asset-based community development, he also stressed the need for changing the community mindset. Bruce Smith, a Dawson County Extension Agent has been using asset-based community development to organize groups such as, Grow Montana and the Alternative Energy Reousrce Organization. He pointed out that for a long time he focused on the needs of his community, rather then it’s strengths. “There are a lot of things to be depressed about, but you find what you look for,” he said. “If you look for all the negative things in a community, you’ll find them, but it works the other way too. When you look for good things, you find them.”
For copies of Dr. Kretzmann’s presentation email Jamie at jvowell@montana.edu.
