6 Thoughts to Consider When Community Building
/In celebration of the 5-year Anniversary of Baltimore Ceasefire 365, the Baltimore Family Alliance, #MyBmore Project, and Audacity Group invited parents, children, visionaries, artists, and community members to come out and share their vision for #MyBmore. It was our first time, but it won’t be our last. And, you can do it too.
DOWNLOAD REPORT | “Home Is Where The Heart Is”
Set Your Intention!
In a city with 250 neighborhoods, from East to West and North to South, the diversity of our communities is reflected just as boldly as the challenges that we face. The issues that concern residents in Roland Park are different from those who live in Harlem Park. But, how can a community rally, if you don’t know your neighbors? How do you advocate for yourself, when you don’t have the information or the necessary resources to leverage?
The intention of the “Home Is Where The Heart Is” listening session was to engage in a community conversation that empowered families to advocate for what their community needs to live, grow and stay in Baltimore.
Be the Change You Want to See.
To create sustainable change, you must first engage with those closest to the challenges you are working to address. You need resident voices and community leaders, as well as mediators who are willing to speak one-on-one and share positive ideas.
Of course, you should welcome elected officials and city representatives, but if they are not available to join the dialogue, do not feel discouraged. “The big deal, so what” is that the “everyday” people who live in the neighborhoods feel motivated and empowered to represent for themselves.
Location! Location! Location!
Where you meet matters because residents require safe spaces to organize, plan and manifest the change they want to see in their communities. There are key questions you should ask. Is the location safe and accessible by mass transit? Is street parking available? Can people speak comfortably in small groups of 10 to 15 ppl? Does the location reflect the energy and spirit of the attendees you hope to draw?
Our “Home Is Where The Heart Is” listening session was held in the Cafetorium of the Baltimore Design School in the Greenmount West Community. This hidden jewel is one of the only 6th-12th grade design thinking public schools in the country. It offered an open space for community impact.
Who’s Hungry?
Make a plan for food! You don't have to provide a whole meal for everyone, but snacks are a must. It could even be something simple like juice, cookies, chips, and salsa. But, be sure to take allergies and dietary restrictions into account.
Chef Catina Smith, the founder of “Just Call Me Chef” prepared delicious boxed lunches. Guests enjoyed Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken, Tandoori Studded Baked Sweet Potato, Green Salad, and Zesty Pasta Salad. Not only was the food appreciated. We were also able to support a local Black, Woman-owned business. Win/Win!
Childcare is Provided.
It is difficult for families to participate in public events or engage in healthy conversations when they also have the responsibility of being attentive parents. It adds value to community conversations if you are able to offer childcare.
Our Young Leaders Lounge was an interactive space to engage children’s thoughts, ideas, and imagination. Children were guided to use art, technology, as well as their voices as mediums of creative release, expression, and tools of change with the support and leadership of community artists and educators like Kenyatta Macon-Moon founder of Nsoroma and Holistic Living by Keny Moon, Bryan Robinson creator of the Black Genius Art Show, and Muhummad Najee-ullah, CEO and Founder of FullBlast STEAM.
Small Steps Lead To Big Actions.
Community development is a holistic approach grounded in principles of empowerment, human rights, inclusion, social justice, self-determination, and collective action.
In a modern world, humans need to create meaningful connections, as well as find and offer support to others with whom they can build relationships and systems of exchange. It’s a process that must be cultivated.
As a result of the “Home Is Where The Heart Is” community conversation, young people in attendance contemplated careers in STEAM and attending college for the first time. A mother who was days away from eviction was provided resources to stay in her home. Community leaders connected around solutions, and every resident left more hopeful about their future in Baltimore.