What we learned informed a new way for us to move forward towards positive social change. Our take away from the workshop were significant things which led us to explore a transition to
a community-wide initiative.
1. We realized how much we didn’t know and understand about the way in which we can share communities with one another and experience daily activities, life and the world so differently
. More importantly, we realized by not being deeply aware of this, we were unknowingly part of the problem. We wanted to change and create something
that would inspire others to reframe how we understand each other and work together (innovation)
2. We learned that in our work and everyday life, these misperceptions and assumptions about “others” lead to division, exclusion of marginalized communities and maintains the status quo. We learned that this division (us and them) leads us to overlook the real value, potential, skills and gifts that all people have to offer. Without including everyone, the problem is two
fold, people are left behind and the community doesn't get ahead. How can we bring human beings together with all of their expertise, skills and resources into the process? So many organizations are working hard and doing great things in the community. How could we bring them together, leverage our organizational resources and knowledge and
actually move the needle? (collaboration)
5. The response from the workshop was resounding. People from many sectors and socioeconomic
classes, and backgrounds responded ready to act on community issues (shared responsibility, citizen participation and commitment)
Our learning and questions guided us to move forward with designing and implementing an organizing model inspired by the themes of innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, shared
responsibility, citizen participation and commitment. This is a living project.
