Tackle early literacy, other community issues

Rapidly changing technology, economic undulations, and demographic shifts are impacting everyone, and they provide opportunity for our organization. Our members want something different from us now than they did even ten years ago. In 2016, we will implement a new model to convene Chamber volunteers for greater community impact.

Chambers of Commerce traditionally host monthly committee meetings organized around broad topics, such as education and government affairs. Participants are informed about issues for an hour and return the next month to hear about another topic. Occasionally a controversial issue emerges and the committee may organize a task force to provide a recommendation to the board, which makes a policy decision.

We believe people want to more nimbly and directly impact our community by organizing around a specific issue of mutual interest. We also believe that the bright, motivated millennials we want to attract will rally for altruistic purposes if their time is efficiently spent. We are going to convene small, homogeneous groups, what Seth Godin would call tribes, formed around business and community priorities. We also will reach out instead of pulling in to become a more inclusive organization by inviting people outside the membership to join our work.

Our education volunteers are taking the plunge by experimenting with an Early Literacy Task Force. Education is the cornerstone of our thriving community and literacy is the fundamental building block upon which formal education depends. Nationally only about one third of fourth grade students are reading joyfully for comprehension. We are convening a group with passion for early literacy, chaired by Chuck Peters from The Gazette Company and including ICCSD Superintendent Stephen Murley, to explore ways to positively impact this issue locally. The Chamber has successfully lobbied for education - state education funding, a physical plant and equipment levy, and 'Yes for Kids” sales tax - and will continue to do so, but we can do more! We can congregate people with passion for something that will enhance our quality of life and set them free to accomplish it.

We welcome all with passion for early literacy - Chamber members and others - to take this journey with us. We also look forward to hearing what other issues are important to improve the community. We are committed to initiating and sustaining positive change in the region and we invite the community to join us.

' Nancy Quellhorst is president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. More information: www.iowacityarea.com