08 dec. 2016
“I’m convinced we are very fortunate with this region.”, says mayor of Beesel Petra Dassen. “As leaders, we have a responsibility to make sure we achieve the best results. To do this we all need each other: entrepreneurs, government, small towns, cities, citizens, politicians, schools and companies. We need to work together.”
The study ‘politics’ in Aken, Germany, fits Petra like glove. From even a young age she couldn’t resist the urge to improve her environment. The promotion which followed concerned a deepening of learning processes. “When I finished my thesis it really felt like a personal triumph.” The activism, reflection and further deepening of knowledge came by different positions she held. Petra developed teaching materials for the Radboudstichting (now Thomas More) and advising towns about integration.
“Personal growth I found most in motherhood and being a mayor. Motherhood teaches you the world revolves around others. Being a mayor brought me the rich feeling of being connected to the people my town.”
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to make sure we achieve the best results by connecting people and form powerful communities. To do this we all need each other: entrepreneurs, government, small towns, cities, citizens, politicians, schools and companies. We need to work together”, says mayor of Beesel, Petra Dassen.
A great example is the 7-year event in Beesel, where almost all villagers work together to bring up a play “Draaksteken” where in the end a terrifying dragon is slayed. An example of a powerful community, lead by good leaders, who will put their personal profit aside to achieve the best collective results and bring out the community soul.
“Personal growth I found most in motherhood and being a mayor. Motherhood teaches you the world revolves around others. Being a mayor brought me the rich feeling of being connected to the people my town.”
