Gunnison Valley Cares Coalition Report

By Coleen Ogden, Chair, Gunnison Valley Cares Coalition

GUNNISON—The Gunnison Valley Cares Coalition held their monthly meeting on Tuesday Sept. 22. Our goals this year are to help with isolation in our community and help students who have a disconnect with school.

Nathan Bradley introduced his program, “Leading Trails,” a six-month horsemanship and leadership program for youth 6 years and older. The program runs for six months and is limited to 15 participants per year.

Bradley also offers a program for adults called “Forge Your Path,” which focuses on leadership and coaching.

Bradley defined leadership as influence and emphasized that effective leadership begins with self-leadership. He presented a framework connecting life missions, core value, and goals.

The “why” provides purpose, the “how” guides behavior and the “what” identifies desired achievements.

He also discussed the “Circle Up” practice, which focuses on safety, trust, communication, follow through, accountability and supporting oneself before supporting others.

Bradley also discussed the Temple-to-Temple run (from the Manti Temple to the Ephraim Temple) he is organizing, scheduled for Oct. 24. He said the run would be a great opportunity to apply these leadership principles with youth volunteers.

The coalition then discussed what worked and what didn’t work at their community night out in August. Members reported strong participation at the movie theater and swimming pool, while the silent auction, bingo and some other activities had lower attendance.

Suggestions for next year include improving advertising, providing clearer maps and signage, keeping the activities at the park, and offering activities such as swimming, foam bubbles and line dancing. Members also discussed maintaining the prevention and community connection focus of the event.

Participants at the meeting discussed moving coalition meetings from the fourth Tuesday of the month to either the third Monday or third Tuesday to improve attendance and better coordinate with other coalition meetings. Each coalition member will receive an e-mail to take a poll to determine the preferred day.

The Sanpete Pantry reported on their fundraiser gala that will be held on Oct. 2. They would appreciate donations for their silent auction.