Every square inch.

We just spent the week with amazing community development practitioners at the 2024 Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) conference. This week brought all I hoped it would -- encouragement, inspiration and fantastic connections. As we congregated with grassroots, in-the-field, community-based nonprofits and developers, I am reminded of some simple principles:

☑️ Every square inch matters. Whether your community work covers 100 square miles, one lot or one square inch, do what you can where you are with excellence. Everyone working where they are planted is how the work gets done.

☑️ Don't be afraid to ask for help. There really is nothing new under the sun. Someone has figured it out, trekked this road, and faced these challenges. Set down your pride, your imposture syndrome, self doubts or whatever is keeping you from asking for help, and ask for help when you need it.

☑️ Find your people. I've said it before, but it's crucial. Find those who share your passions, your principles and your calling and connect with them. Develop honest, authentic relationships with people you can lean on, learn from and encourage during the tough times.

☑️ Share your story. Share the successes and failures, the struggles and the triumphs. The journey of community development work is hard. We need to hear the stories of those traveling alongside us and we need to tell our stories to others.

I am encouraged that so many amazing projects, leaders and community activists are working across this nation to make their neighborhoods, towns and cities places where everyone can thrive. Many thanks to all of you tireless warriors doing the work day in and day out. I see you and I am inspired by you.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP