Maureen Donker has been the Midland Mayor since 2009, and she is also the Executive Director of the Reece Endeavor, which is a local nonprofit that provides housing for community members with special needs. Maureen is the chair of the Michigan Municipal League Workers Compensation Board of Directors, serves on many local boards and committees, and is a lifelong Midland resident.

In this episode, Bev talks with Mayor of Midland, Maureen Donker, who shares what sparked her curiosity in positive psychology and how her leadership helped establish the Midland-Area Wellbeing Coalition, now in its fourth year.

To grab your free copy of the Surprising Stories eBook, just visit www.thewellbeinglab.com/communitypodcast

You’ll Learn:

• [02:43] - Maureen talks about how she came to her work in positive psychology and the certification program, starting with reading Martin Seligman’s book, Flourish.
• [05:39] - Maureen shares how positive psychology has impacted her both personally and professionally, most notably in terms of relationships and being more present in relationships
• [07:42] - Maureen describes the impact she has seen in her community from positive psychology, including terrific work in the health system
• [09:17] - Maureen talks about the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, which is all about the community – not the government – working for the community
• [11:02] - Maureen discusses her impact project and how she worked to bring positive psychology to a wider audience
• [15:32] - Maureen reflects on what went well, where she struggled, and what the next steps are
• [17:35] - Maureen gives advice to others involved in this work
• [19:26] - Maureen talks about what else she has seen that’s been an effective application of positive psychology in the wider community
• [21:07] - Maureen shares what’s next in terms of positive psychology in the community
• [22:51] - Maureen takes on the Lightning Round!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Until next time, take care!  Thank you, Maureen!