Bishop Gadsden is more than just a place to live —it is a community formed through a joint effort of team members and residents to create an inviting, supportive, and fulfilling environment for all. An essential aspect contributing to this collective investment is the Residents' Council, a group of dedicated residents who volunteer their time and effort to ensure the community thrives in every aspect.
What is the Residents' Council?
The Residents' Council is integral to Bishop Gadsden, leading various committees focusing on resident life, such as Culinary, Activities, Finance, Charitable Mission, and more. Each committee plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for all residents, ensuring that their voices are heard. They achieve this by gathering resident feedback and conveying their thoughts directly to team members during meetings.
As Chairman of the Culinary Committee, Scottie Bowers stated, "We serve as a liaison between residents and team members, giving residents a place to know that they have a voice." Working with team departments allows residents to better understand the level of planning and effort that goes into each part of the community.
Behind the Scenes: Understanding Team Operations
Being a member of the Residents' Council offers a unique opportunity to learn behind-the-scenes information and gain a deeper understanding of how the community operates. Residents see a different side of Bishop Gadsden that they may not think about daily - how the team functions to make the community come to life. Council members get an inside look at the intricacies of team members' work, from ensuring culinary excellence during the Easter brunch with four hundred guests to setting inspiring philanthropic goals following our mission of reaching out with a generous spirit. They can then take this information back to other residents and help them understand why certain aspects operate the way they do.
Russ Crane, the Chair of the Charitable Mission Committee, said, "The thing I enjoy most is being involved and informed and then responsible because of that. If a conversation arises in the Pub, I say here's what's planned and the next steps." He explained that residents enjoy having a peer representative who can provide accurate information about what is happening behind the scenes. Many are not familiar with the inner workings of Bishop Gadsden if they do not serve on a committee, so these council members provide a window into those unseen operations and plans.
Those who do serve gain firsthand knowledge of some of the systems and processes that keep Bishop Gadsden excelling the way it does.
Bowers learned much more about the kitchen during her committee meetings. "I got to know the staff and understand what happens in production—that everything is cooked from scratch, even stocks. It made me appreciate their work so much more." This growing sense of appreciation helps residents form a connection with team members steeped in gratitude. Not only do they feel these deeper connections, but they can share those feelings directly with team members.
Building Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of the Residents' Council is the opportunity to meet new people and build meaningful connections. Whether collaborating with team members in the area they serve or interacting with fellow residents, council members often find that their roles bring them closer to the community and enrich their social lives.
Residents are used to passing a team member in the hallway and saying hello, but hearing their feedback and collaborating with them on resident suggestions and idea implementation brings a new dynamic to their interactions. Bowers remarked, "What I've loved the most is getting to know them and seeing how dedicated they are to us."
The residents get to know team members in a different capacity, especially the departments their committee serves. These departments provide guidance and assistance to their committees during events, campaigns, and general suggestion implementation.
Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of the Residents' Council's work. Members work closely with each other and with community staff to address issues, implement new initiatives, and make decisions that benefit everyone. This fosters a sense of unity and purpose among council members as they can see their feedback come to life.
Russ Crane stated, "My job is much easier being supported by the Charitable Giving office. It is amazing to me how much assistance I receive from them." He explained that they listen to your suggestions and are very responsive to proposals for change. Residents from the committee advocated for a wine and cheese hour after nonprofits, who are up for selection to receive Bishop Gadsden's Charitable Fund grants, gave their presentations on their organizations and possible use of the funds. This innovation was incorporated into the event, giving residents more time to converse with potential grant recipients and understand where their donations might be going. Residents gave a suggestion, brought it to team members, and implemented it, creating a more engaging experience for everyone involved. Situations like these show the value of the residents' council - providing a voice for residents and an avenue for team members to help produce an enriching community.
The Spirit of Volunteering
All roles within the Residents' Council are entirely voluntary, with all the chairs nominated to serve. Council members dedicate their time and energy to a genuine desire to give back to the community and positively impact their fellow residents' lives. Many residents have impressive resumes, and their valuable insight from years of experience gives their peers and team members unique ways of thinking and operating. Crane explained, "They've been in leadership positions, whether in corporate America, volunteer activities, or education, so they're veterans." They enjoy being involved, influencing, and bringing their expertise to their community. Their selfless commitment to serving others embodies the true spirit of volunteering and sets a shining example for everyone at Bishop Gadsden.
Conclusion
The Residents' Council is more than just an advising committee; it's the heartbeat of Bishop Gadsden. This aspect of the BG community provides a space for residents to get involved, whether submitting a suggestion or serving as a liaison between team members and other residents. Through their dedication, time, and collaborative efforts, council members play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and vibrant environment where all residents can thrive, and team members feel appreciated. Their efforts directly contribute to making Bishop Gadsden an extraordinary place to live.