Downtown Red Deer: Share Your Story

Guest post by Brandon Bouchard
Board Chair, Downtown Business Association

“Words create worlds.”

“Every conversation changes the universe.”

Words possess an extraordinary power that can shape our world in profound ways. Positive words have the ability to uplift spirits, inspire change, and foster connections. They can heal wounds, build bridges, and create an atmosphere of hope and understanding. On the other hand, negative words can wound deeply, sow discord, and perpetuate harm. They have the potential to undermine confidence, strain relationships, and spread negativity. The impact of our words reaches far beyond the immediate moment, influencing the thoughts and actions of those around us. It is a reminder that the language we choose can either be a force for good, promoting compassion and unity, or a weapon that inflicts lasting damage. We must wield this power with care and intention, recognizing the responsibility that comes with every word we speak.

Sharing stories about our city's downtown—be they positive or negative—can create a powerful ripple effect. Positive stories illuminate the culture, community spirit, and spaces of downtown Red Deer. They can draw visitors, stimulate local businesses, and foster pride among our citizens. On the flip side, negative stories can overshadow the essence of our downtown, painting it in a way that may deter visitors and investors. This can stifle economic growth, damage our community's morale, and perpetuate a cycle of neglect. The narrative we share has the power to influence perceptions, and in turn, the reality of a place. By choosing to highlight the positive, we can contribute to the rejuvenation and flourishing of our city's heart.

There's an inherent inequity in how stories—positive or negative—are amplified in the media and on social platforms. Negative news often garners more clicks and engagement, driven by a human tendency to gravitate toward sensationalism and controversy. This can create a skewed perception of reality, where negative events are disproportionately highlighted, overshadowing the positive aspects of a community. This imbalance can perpetuate a cycle of fear and pessimism, and discourage people from exploring and appreciating the true character of downtown. It underscores the responsibility of media and content creators to balance their narratives, recognizing the influence their stories have on public perception and community well-being.

So, this is your invitation to share your "good story" ideas about downtown Red Deer. Let's highlight the unsung heroes and the hidden gems that make our community special. Perhaps you know a local business owner who goes above and beyond for their customers, or a community event that brings people together in a stellar way. Maybe there's an art installation or a beautiful spot that captures the spirit of our downtown. By sharing these positive stories, we can collectively celebrate what makes downtown Red Deer truly shine.

A single good story can ignite a chain reaction of kindness, hope, and inspiration across our community.

Submit your ideas and help us paint a brighter, more positive portrait of our beloved downtown. There are numerous ways you can choose to submit your story. Whether you have a fully written blog, captivating videos or photos, or engaging audio or video interview ideas, we want to hear from you! Submit your positive story ideas through our submission form, opens a new window, and we’ll be in touch!