We Are CR, Part 4: Onward

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more

First-hand perspectives on Cedar Rapids' All America City award: Last week, Quinn Pettifer traveled to Denver as part of the Cedar Rapids delegation to the All America City conference, building community pride and friendships along the way.

This is the final blog post in a series reflecting on the experience - find part one, part two and part three at the links, or replay our conversation with City of Cedar Rapids officials here.

Now that Cedar Rapids has won this award, what should happen next? Leave a comment below, or email us at engage@wecreatehere.net.

Sunday was by far my favorite day of our All America City conference. Best practices from the our fellow finalists were plentiful and my notebook filled up fast.

From San Pablo's youth engagement programs, to Montgomery, Alabama health initiatives, to the rising success of Fort Lauderdale and their economic development success. Every presentation, every story confirmed that our community not only has lots to offer in what we've accomplished, but is poised to consider what's next.

Panelists included a variety of perspective - from retirees to youth, all willing to share their stories and triumphs along with challenges and lessons learned.

Our own CR delegation was able to provide detail on our Blue Zones designation, along with a moving story of practices, initiatives our community has adopted through the opportunity, and a heart-warming perspective from Lynn, the Blue Zones number one volunteer and advocate. Her moving story included some real health scares followed up by an inspiring weight loss of over 110 pounds. So many of our fellow delegates were impressed and inspired-including those in our own group who up until this day had no idea the impact that something like Blue Zones can have on an individual and how fortunate we are to have such strong support.

Ideas running wild, I loved the opportunity to talk to Maria Johnson, the city of Cedar Rapids Communications Director, on some motivating ideas in collaborating. My role with We Create Here not only sparked local appreciation, but every community I had the opportunity to interact with were deeply moved that my company felt compelled to send someone to the conference. I must say it only adds to our We Create Here story; the information and ideas generated went well beyond the investment and I know they will continue to pay in partnerships and collaboration throughout the country.

The award ceremony Sunday night seemed like the perfect way to wrap up such an incredible experience. Lucky number eight. Every community prior to our announcement was beyond well deserved.

Our own perspective? We gave it our all-and the pride in telling the story was something that win or lose, we would get to keep with us always.

As the announcer greeted us to announce the All America City number eight recipient, the lines flowed off the paper and into our hearts:

"This community believes everyone should have a home. This community does not shy away from challenges but runs to solutions. This community collaborated to rebuild arts and culture."

As Cedar Rapids was announced, I noticed that not only was our delegation in tears, but judges, coaches and our new friends of other communities were just as deeply moved, just as deeply proud. Rob Merrit in his wonderful acceptance speech captured it best when explaining that the intent of inspiring was accomplished, but the true gift was the inspiration from so many other shining examples of amazing communities.

So what's next? The title is wonderful, yet the work has only just begun.

Our delegation is committed to continuing the conversations, reviewing lessons learned and taking our pride in community to conversations with others ready to play. My faith in our abilities as a community has always been strong yet I know moving forward that the best is yet to come.