GONZALES — In an internationally shared podcast, Gonzales City Manager René Mendez discussed community engagement concepts that have helped his small city adapt and deal with challenges, including through the Covid-19 crisis.
Mendez was a featured guest on the international podcast “CrisisIbility,” hosted by Devry Boughner-Vorwerk, founder and CEO of DevryBV Sustainable Strategies; Steve Young, global executive director of the Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism; and Michael Wright, founder and partner of Intercepting Horizons.
The “CrisisIbility” podcast centers around the concept that within every crisis there lies possibility. It focuses on opportunities and examples of innovative leadership as models for positive change in the world.
In the episode, “CrisisIbility and the Potency of Love, Care, Connect,” the hosts discuss with Mendez the power of the Gonzales Way, a community initiative that centers around the idea of “Love, Care and Connect,” and the effect it has had on the small rural town of approximately 9,000.
Mendez explained how a mindset of love, care and connect can shift the view of government from doing “for the people” to government doing “with the people.” It is a simple change of wording that can provide a powerful impact and help encourage people to work together for peace, prosperity, and equity in a community.
He also explained the importance of listening first and acting second, as well as the need for leaders to model good behavior and lead by example to build trust.
“Mendez’ example of leadership on a local level could easily be very useful on a global scale,” Boughner-Vorwerk said.
The Gonzales Way framework was initially centered around raising happy, healthy and successful children and preparing them for 21st century success. Over time the community has embraced the concept of love, care and connect and it has evolved into much more.
It is now a guiding principle for the community — the way the city connects with partners, engages with the community, cares for its residents and implements innovative ideas to governing. By following the Gonzales Way and being nimble about solutions, Gonzales has dealt with a host of challenges, including many that arose with Covid-19.
Residents describe the Gonzales Way as a genuine feeling that they can be a force for improving well-being in their community. Gonzales reflects how a small community can tap the insight and power of its residents to create change and expand opportunities.
To learn more about the CrisisIbility podcast and to watch the episode featuring Mendez, go to www.crisisibility.com/episodes/crisisibility-and-the-potency-of-love-care-connect.
