The Power of Inspirational Places
Leadership is about seeing the big picture and inspiring others. This becomes challenging when daily tasks and deadlines demand our attention. Recently, I witnessed leadership in action during a visit to the OPC Social and Activity Center in Rochester, MI, with a group of about 30 people from the senior center network in Allegheny County.
A group of 30 representatives from the Allegheny County Senior Center Network visiting the OPC.
The OPC is a beautiful, mission-driven center serving three municipalities in the Detroit suburbs. With approximately 15,000 members (12,000 active), it offers:
Various classes
Health and wellness activities (pickleball is a crowd favorite)
Educational opportunities
And much more.
Their stunning campus, opened in 2003 and they have been in operation since 1983.
OPC’s mission posted by the entrance.
Inspiration vs. Replication
Will we be able to recreate the OPC in Allegheny County? Maybe/maybe not. Their funding structure is completely different and so are the communities that we serve. It was a little daunting to be in this beautiful and fully developed site, but the big picture for our group was to be inspired by the work of the OPC and to take what we can to strengthen our network in Allegheny County.
Key Takeaways
1. Adaptable Ideas: Throughout the day, I heard colleagues say, "We can do that at our center!" Even if not identical, many ideas from OPC can be adapted to our facilities.
2. Space for Dreaming: Stepping away from daily challenges allows us to dream bigger and strategize on achieving those dreams.
3. Strengthened Relationships: This site visit fostered stronger connections within our network, which will benefit us in the future.
Beautiful outdoor spaces.
The Power of Inspiration
While the OPC's facility was initially daunting, it ultimately served as a catalyst for innovation and growth within our own network. This experience reinforces the importance of seeking inspiration from leaders in our field, even if our paths to success may differ.
A cottage in honor of the founding director.
