My professional life with the Government of New Brunswick has been a very active environment since early September also, and I am happy to be back in more of a routine there as well with a more consistant schedule I really enjoy the work that I do with the Province because, for me, the goal when I head to work each day is the same as with Kin. Positive impact on the lives of those around us. For Kin, it’s Canadians and communities…and for the Government of New Brunswick, it’s…well..New Brunswickers…not only of today but those of future generations as well. More specifically in my current role with Education and Early Childhood Development, it’s the Education system for our youth, every experience that will help shape who they are…from the moment they are welcomed into this world to the minute they head out into the “real” world on their own.

Sometimes I think we take for granted our efforts…and its too easy to fall into that slump of the “same old thing” day in day out. When we do that, we unfortunately lose sight of the fact that our efforts play an instrumental role in the greater goals of any organization, no matter the position.

For example, in my role as Assistant Director of Human Resources, one would argue that I do not have much of an impact on the Education of our youth. Certainly the teachers, principals, educational assistants, day care providers, learning specialists and so on have a much more hands on approach with our youth when it comes to their pedagogical upbringing. However, I also know that its due to our efforts in areas such as recruitment, labour relations and organizational development that we are not only able to ensure qualified resources are in place to provide these youth with the best experience possible, but that we are actively helping our province proactively plan for their future. This may be through guidance or training we provide to middle and senior management or through variety of strategies we have in place on everything from performance management to succession planning. So while it’s not as “direct” as many others within our system, I know it is very important just the same and that certainly keeps me motivated in trying to influence positive change and results for each and every person.

It’s hard to believe it has been a little more than two months since Regina…but…well..it has

As a number of people have mentioned, with the exception of an isolated Kin event (or important Lego project), things have been fairly quiet on the Lee Burry social media front…and they would be right! However, I’d thought I’d throw a quick update out to everyone who reads BelieveKin.ca (3 people…one of which being me ) to let you know that I’m still alive and well.

As you’ve probably heard me say several times during my year as National President, alongside all of the “Kin” perspective that I’ve gained during my travels, it’s also brought to light the true importance of family to this 29 year old As a result, yes there have been lots of lego…but also lots of story time, lots of chats with D, “tickling episodes” and several impromptu family trips (eg. to a park, a movie or a playground), just because we can. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Recently I had the opportunity to speak at the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton’s Legends Experience, with the guest of honour being none other than #99 Wayne Gretzky. It was a very classy, thorough effort that focused on Wayne’s efforts both on and off the ice and was a wonderful celebration of a great Canadian, all the while raising important funds for Edmonton and surrounding area.

The following morning, I was back at Edmonton International Airport and was getting ready to head home (no the flight didn’t get cancelled this time…my guess is the curse is over now that Dave Ronson has taken over the National President role…”bling” and all ). As I boarded the plane for the early morning flight along with ~250 other people, I made my way to my row and did the “pardon me, excuse me” to scoot in front of the other people sitting in my row as I had the window seat.

While I’m often the kind of person to sleep on flights (especially if I have a window seat!) I always make sure to have a quick conversation initially with the people next to me if they’re up for it So with a quick glance out at the golden sun starting to rise above the horizon, turning night into dawn, I turn and say hello to the couple next to me. We start into conversation and I find out they are from Red Deer but are actually heading to Newfoundland for a vacation. Ecstatic as I am any time someone mentions my native land, I inform them that I’m originally from Newfoundland and ask them what their reason is for heading to the rock. The woman states she once lived there also and is bringing her husband for the first time. I, of course, ask her where from…and she says…believe it or not…my home town of ~4,000 or so…Lewisporte! Here, on this plane in Edmonton, Alberta, in my row…I am sitting next to a woman that lived in my home town of Lewisporte and is headed back that way for a vacation…small world eh?

So, Lewisporte being as small as it is, I am wondering to myself why I do not know this lady very well. “I think” she looks vaguely familiar now…but maybe it’s because 60 seconds ago she told me she had lived in Lewisporte at one point. Intrigued to know more, as she is looking down to put her bag under the chair in front of her, I tell her my name is Lee Burry…

She immediately looks up with a big, somewhat sympathetic smile on her face…and says Lee Burry…I know you…and I know your family…I know your Mom…

This lady, in my row, on this plane in Edmonton, Alberta…goes on to tell me that she worked with my mother at Shoppers Drug Mart in 2002 – 2003 (while I was at University in St John’s, NL) up until the point when Mom could no longer work due to her battle with cancer. She spoke with such warmth…such joy…such love…talking about how heartfelt and genuine my mother was…and as she is saying this I look outside at the sun…up to the sky which now seems to be shining brighter…or maybe it’s just the smile on my face.

She told me a story from 9 years ago in 2002, about this time of year. They were working together, stocking some of the items on the shelves and Mom looked at the lady and said “lets go downstairs…I need to see something!” She looked back at my mother and said “Barb! You know you aren’t supposed to go down there!”…knowing that Mom had been advised to stay on the top floor due to the number of stairs it took to get downstairs and it wasn’t in Mom’s best interest (given her weakness from the ongoing chemo) to be tackling a bunch of stairs during her day, let alone the other activities she was involved in on the main floor. Mom looked back at her and said “Don’t worry about it…no one will ever know!”…after all things were a little slower upstairs so she softly grabbed her by the arm and started moving in the direction of the downstairs entrance. They headed down over the stairs, Mom taking her time of course. Once they got down there, Mom turned to the lady and smiled and they just started to look around…likely with the same smile I had on my face as the story was being told to me.

The reason she had wanted to go downstairs was to see all of the Christmas decorations and items that were stored down there just prior to being put on shelves and on display throughout the store. “It’s just so beautiful…I just love it…this time of year…I love Christmas”…she said with such happiness in her voice. I look outside once more…after hearing this, probably trying to hide a few tears that are starting to come down from my eyes…and seeing the golden sun just glowing as we were ready to head up into the clouds.

2002 was Mom’s last Christmas…and the lady was right…she loved that time of year more than any other. Mom loved the decorations and everything, but what she truly loved about it was how it brought out the best in everyone…how it seemed to bring everyone together like a family and motivate everyone to do whatever they could to put a smile on the faces of those around them.

What a gift I was given that day in Edmonton…on that plane.

…Cherish every moment…allow them to shine. Even when things seem down, we always have the opportunity to focus on what “can be” and what “will be” if we “want it to be”.

We often get caught up in our regular routine and all we can see are the clouds, forgetting sometimes that the sun is there. But it is there, it’s still shining…still beautiful…just like this cool autumn day as I look out at all of the coloured leaves blowing around in our backyard. My mom was and always will be a testament to living life…not just for yourself but for those around you. After all, that’s how you truly get the most out of life, how you can really cherish it the most…when you are able to put those smiles on the faces of those who really need it.

So when you are done reading this, go give a hug to someone you love, send an email or call someone you haven’t connected with in a while and tell them how they’ve made a difference in your life or why they are so great. (Or head out to blow bubbles in the backyard as D and I are getting ready to do ) Try to bring a little more sun to a complete stranger, knowing it might be just what they need. It speaks to the spirit of Kin and Canadians alike.

Life is too short to get caught up in the little things…and there’s so much here to enjoy…so much positive change that can still be brought to this world

Sometimes we need to look a little closer. Other times, we need to help those around us see more clearly.

Believe…

that tonight’s gonna be a good night …

I’m sitting here in our hotel room at the Delta after just getting a pic with the entire Kin family here in attendance for the President’s Ball tonight. This entire week has been surreal…not for the experience that I have had here in Regina, SK (which has been amazing) but for the smiles, the motivation and the inspiration that has been and continues to resonate through everyone here in attendance.

This entire year has been amazing. There have been so many experiences that have solidified to me why it is so important to continue to do what we do, to continue to make that difference in the lives of so many. These experiences have also showcased that we have great people leading the way and even more ready to take on the challenge, which is of critical importance not only to us as an organization, but to all of our communities.

The whole believekin.ca site this year, that’s really why I did it. I think its so important to have constant communication and an easy way for the entire membership to know what’s happening at every level of the Association. Furthermore, while knowing what’s happening is great, a blog is a type of environment where people can often see what’s below the surface, and dig a little more into the details and intricacies regarding why something is the way it is. It’s that next level of “understanding” something and being able to relate to where an individual or group is coming from. If we are going to ensure unity as an Association then its critical we not only understand the issues and opportunities on the surface, but that we have a good grasp of their underpinnings as well. Lastly…mechanisms such as believekin.ca, facebook and twitter have allowed me to truly connect with many of you on an ongoing basis and really ramp up communication that isn’t just being pushed out but something that is interactive…creating dialogue with members across the country. That was my intent…and I know I’ve gotten a lot out of it, I hope you’ve felt the same.

At the Board level, we’ve started to put some of those frameworks and solidify them in our policies to ensure they become the foundation of how we do business. It’s my belief that through strong dialogue we can continue to identify the key opportunities and challenges that face our Association. We’ve taken a few steps this year and I’m confident NP Dave Ronson will continue that process in the upcoming year and NVP Penny Lees-Smith (congrats Penny!) in the year following.

Our true success will be taking these challenges and opportunities and putting our words into actions. It’s something we are all accountable for at every level and I’m confident that collectively we can do it. But we all need to keep our ears, minds and hearts open in order to get there.

So I think I’m starting to babble (and there is some serious partying to do downstairs) but to Kin across the country…to Canadians that have joined us to make that difference….thank you for all that you do.

…Thank you so much for always believing. You inspire me and you are the foundation for the faith of countless Canadians in this organization called Kin. Canada knows that whenever there is a need…we’ll always be there. Thanks for always being there…and for continuing to give us…and your communities that spark which makes us genuinely Canadian…truly Kin.

Lee

I still have a few additional updates to provide (it has been an amazing week!) but as I head in to the President’s Ball this evening, I just want to say thank you all…for everything…for all that you do. A more formal thank you to come soon, but I felt it was needed before I head up to say thank you to everyone in attendance this evening. I have been blessed with many notes of thanks in the last few weeks. Please know that they are certainly appreciated, though also remember that the successes we have attained as an Association have been through the effort of each and every one of us. For the thousands that aren’t here tonight, know that I am thinking of all of you and am again, fellow Kin, so grateful for everything you do to help our communities be stronger…and our future brighter.

Believe!

Lee

Tonight’s opening ceremonies were a wonderful kick off for what will surely be an awesome Kinvention. Hearing from public officials from both the City of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan, it was great to see the relationship that obviously exists between Kin and our public sector. Furthermore, it was motivating to hear their words regarding the importance of Kin Canada’s efforts in each of our communities.

Elder Lorna Standing Ready, a member of the Regina Aboriginal Kin Club provided a heartfelt blessing prior to opening our Convention. Once convention was officially opened by yours truly, we were presented with entertainment from Harmony 2 Go Youth Barbershop Chorus…and you really have to see these youth in action! No…seriously, it was absolutely amazing. While all of their selections were phenomenal, I have to admit that when they broke into “Fare Thee Well, Love” by the Rankin Family I was simply in awe…Please check them out…I’ve included a link to their Facebook page here (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmony-2-Go-Youth-Barbershop-Chorus/164943753826).

Fellow Kin, we are off to the races.  The Regina Kin have certainly put a lot into the planning and coordination of this event and we are looking forward to a wonderful time here in Regina!

Believe!

Lee

On Wednesday evening, prior to the opening ceremonies of National Convention 2011, the membership of Kin Canada and invited guests heard from 13 speakers from across this country regarding topics they had a vested interest in. I am, of course, referring to the annual Public Speaking competition held by Kin Canada.

The “Speak-Off” not only provides members of Kin Canada with an opportunity to express themselves in an area of their choosing but, I believe, it brings all of us a little closer together through better understanding our colleagues from coast to coast. It is also remarkable tool for personal and professional development. Many members of Kin over the last number of years have pointed back to this event as an important piece of their “career” in Kin and this year proved to be no different. Kin members took to the stage with speeches that were persuasive, informative and certainly humorous at times.

Best of luck to the judges for selecting a winner. I know it will be no easy task. However, judging from everyone’s performance that night and speaking with many of the competitors afterward…I’m confident everyone is going to walk away from this event with a rewarding experience!

Talk soon!

NP Lee

Hi All,

We have just wrapped up the National Board Face to Face Meeting here in Regina, SK just prior to the opening of National Kinvention 2011. Over the last two days we have focused on ensuring the new board has a solid foundation for their upcoming year as well as setting the stage for the goals for the next 12 months and how they link back to initiatives we have been working on over the last few years. I believe we have a great team for the upcoming year and am confident that National Vice President Dave will be a great leader for our Board and certainly for our Association as a whole.

More details on these “next steps” coming soon…we will be doing a presentation to the Convention floor today and following up with additional pieces to all Kin very soon. If I was to highlight one thing, however, it is the continued importance the Board has placed upon ownership linkage. Last year, we spent a lot of necessary time setting up the appropriate frameworks to allow us to realize the future successes we need. Certainly one of these instrumental pieces was embedding a proper stakeholder consultation process in our efforts. This is one of many frameworks set up this past year that will be hitting  ”rubber to the road” in the very near future.

More to come soon!…however, Daniel is next to me wanting to play with (and quickly solve) a Rubik’s Cube Duty calls!

NP Lee

Hi All,

Quick request from me to you. Here’s a challenge…if you have five minutes in the next few days (maybe you do right now as you are reading this ) I would like you to find one picture (preferably something you were involved with ) that depicts to you what Kin is all about…and the difference we make across Canada each and every day. Once you find it, just send it to president@kincanada.ca. I want to share these with Kin across the country. The more I have the better. If the pic can be relatively recent and in the highest quality possible, that would rock.

Again, calling one calling all. If you can just take a few minutes to send me a single picture it would be greatly appreciated!

NP Lee

Well, it is truly hard to believe that we are literally just weeks away from National Convention, 2011. As much of a cliché as it is, this year truly has flown by. In just over 20 days, members of Kin Canada from all over the country will land in Regina, Saskatchewan to celebrate the past year and collectively look to the future.

I look forward to seeing many of you there and if you are unable to make it, please check www.kincanada.ca, www.believekin.ca and our respective Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the week for updates. Will try to share information as we go!

In the last month or so the site has experienced its share of technical difficulties. Everything from crashing to the link forwarding you to a Christian awareness site…you name it…All of that being said (with just about a month until National Convention), it seems we now have things up and running again. It seems that a number of articles as far back as January may have not been promoted properly on FB and Twitter so I’ll probably go back and tap them all again once, just to ensure that everything I’ve been writing…I’ve been at least promoting properly. All that to say you’ll probably see a lot of action coming from me soon…maybe its that last drive to the end of the year …but communication is important, and I want to make sure I put as much of it at your fingertips as possible. Hope your summers are going well!

Talk to you soon!

Lee