Despite what you may have heard about the education system in the Delta, somewhere along the way I learned the difference between potential and kinetic energy. The former is energy at rest such as stored sunlight inside a solar panel waiting to be transferred to a power grid. Once this energy moves, does work, or is transformed, it becomes kinetic. The exercises, tours, meetings and unveiling of downtown Indianola’s strategic plan remind me of this brief discussion of physics when it comes to similar undertakings in the Delta’s history. Through funding from the Kellogg Foundation, individuals with expertise in downtown revitalization visited Indianola last week to help provide recommendations for Indianola’s downtown strategic initiatives for years to come. The latest information-gathering exercise has been referred to as Indianola’s Downtown Roadmap.
People have studied us, made recommendations, and told us to “take ownership” of what we have for decades to break cycles of poverty, attract business, heal racial divides, and improve the quality of life. Personally, a couple of my previous well-paying positions have resulted from organizations in the Delta receiving large federal and foundation grants after “being studied.” But statistically speaking have these studies and implementation of programs moved the needle any? Have they helped the Delta get healthier? Have they increased the average ACT score? Have they increased opportunity? Have they created an atmosphere conducive for business? Answering these questions depends on the metrics applied and the outcomes desired.
Fundamentally, these studies tend to highlight the negative as a portrait of despair and may need to be painted to be competitively considered for funding. These studies also tell us much of what we already know. Here are some of the potential energy examples that various sociologists, researchers and consulting firms have told the Delta. “You have a rich blues and literary heritage.” “The Mississippi River could be an even greater economic engine.” “The Delta has two community colleges and two universities that could be even more of an asset if reimagined.”
School districts and municipalities in the Delta have a bad habit of bringing in high-priced consultants who make potential energy statements like this, write an idealistic report, and move on to the next community. But my hope is that Indianola’s experience with the plan just presented is also to look at its business history and culture and build upon this foundation with the truly kinetic suggestions and counsel that has been rendered. And in this group’s defense specifically, Indianola’s strategic plan resulting from their visit was made possible through a grant. Therefore, no pointless expense came along with this study. Generally speaking, very few outside consulting groups have the resources and time to immerse themselves in a community long enough to make sustainable solutions. That’s the community’s job to look at what works and what doesn’t and take measures to address positives and negatives with the kinetic energy of whatever metrics are of value to that location.
When someone desires to study a community, find out what the motivation and endgame are, and what’s in it for the community, so that any recommendation stemming from their efforts is smart (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound).
Finally big shout outs to three fabulous science teachers during my formal education: Linda Doris, Jessie Shaw, and the late Clarence Hawkins (R.I.P. Mr. Hawk).
