Start a pop music choir

My 2016 goal was to update the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce model for engaging volunteers. We wanted more diverse groups of people - some familiar with the Chamber and others not - to channel their passions to improve our communities. My course changed when I left the Chamber, but the talented Chamber team will continue to promote widespread civic engagement.

A little background before I share my 2017 resolution. When my family moved to Iowa in 2001, I bonded with athletes in a Sunday morning running group. I was intrigued by watching a highly diverse group of people, with little in common beyond running, build close relationships and reach goals together - 10, 12, or 20-mile training runs. I read Postville because Marcus recommended it and drove to Kalona to shop in Michelle's furniture store. I had regular updates on local building projects from Eric. As young and older people, we ran and talked - about running strategies, our children, current events, and academic challenges. I learned from the Coralville bus driver, the Iowa City special ed teacher, the law school student, and the forensic pathologist - people I would never have otherwise met.

My personal aspiration for 2017 has inherent similarities to both my 2016 resolution and my Running Wild group experience. This year I want to bring two of my passions together, singing and community building, and go all in on organizing a community pop music choir modeled after Toronto's Choir! Choir! Choir! Their initial 20-person session five years ago grew to 100-200 people who now enjoy shared singing, libations, and friendships. Rufus Wainwright led a session that attracted 1,500 people. Choir! Choir! Choir! organizers call it 'more than just singing. It's challenging, engaging, emotionally investing, being proud to be part of something.” Music is a profound medium for connecting people from different parts of the community and it makes people happy!

Give Choir! Choir! Choir! a look on YouTube and learn more about how it works at TEDx Toronto.

Want to sing out, jam out, have a drink, meet new people? Find me on LinkedIn.

' Nancy Quellhorst is Director of Development, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa Foundation and former President & CEO, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.