Quality of Life
Getting a solid handle on the QOL elements that already exist in Randolph County is a good starting point. This would include social, community, and physical assets that are currently in place, existing part of a development plan, and/or that can be further developed. Asset mapping is one way to approach this task. Move from discussions about strengths and assets to actual implementation of QOL projects. Keep in mind your community is the expert. People know what they want, have good ideas about how to get it done, and can be utilized to accomplish the job. The best laid plans that don’t actually address the lived experiences of residents will never be successful. Small changes can make a big difference. This is particularly true in Randolph County’s case, where aesthetics and blight are of particular concern. Even if the money is not currently available for a major rehaul of blighted homes, there are innumerable smaller projects that can mitigate some of the damage caused by those homes. Small projects often have an advantage in that they can involve many people – and in the process build community. A flower-planting campaign is an example of this.
