Power of One (Part II)

Power of One (Part II)

EDU 635 Community & Youth Development

When I hear, see or think of the word adventure, I am reminded of something that is bold and exciting. As it relates to my communities, you will find many schools, gas stations, multiple stores, churches and post offices, and gas stations that are all in the same perimeter. My primary focus will be to bring the community together collectively and encourage them (young and old) to work as a team. Bringing the community together started out rough because it was hard to find times that were available for everyone to meet. Once the meeting actually took place, there were many great ideas shared and people were able to see and find the many programs that are available. The people were able to express the concerns they had with the community; which were a few but can make a great impact if the changes are actually made. It takes a community of people to be willing to embrace the changes that will be made and ways on doing this is to be willing to adapt and open to what is ahead. It is my desire that those in the community are willing to embrace the changes and are open to suggestions not from just adults but the youth as well.

Garden City Elementary is a school in the community where I live and was very supportive in my attempts in trying to bring the community together; by permitting me to host meeting in their cafeteria. The school board was very cooperative after I explained to them what I wanted to do, the purpose for me doing it, how it will be a success and how it will unlock other opportunities and projects in the community. There were many teachers that committed to making themselves available to help with the project; which was great because they knew some of the families in the community and they were able to pass out the flyers to their class. These flyers gave detailed dates on meetings and where they will be hosted. It was the students responsibility to give these flyers to their parents and share the information with other friends in the neighborhood (who may not attend the school but lives in the community); trusting that they will be encouraged and motivated by the proposal and attend the meeting where they can to voice their apprehensions, thoughts and share their opinion and views that they have. Before the actual meeting took place, I asked the teachers to explain the meeting and its importance. I also asked for them to give the students the opportunity to express their concerns and what they would like to see happen in the community and the project. They were asked to take notes and provide me the feedback that they received. Once I reviewed the feedback, I made copies to hand out in the meeting with the parents.

As I walked and canvased the neighborhood of Jacksonville, there were only a few children playing. This is when I knew that this community needs to be motivated to become not only unified but to become more involved. This is exactly what I needed to see because it encouraged me to push more in making certain that I bring the community together collectively. Once this particular project is finished, every person would be delighted in what they have added in succeeding in this project. My desire is that they pursue other projects and be willing participants. Life is all about growth and change; you must be willing to embrace those changes as they come with the understanding that this is what helps the community grow. One should also be reminded that the community is a group of people coming together as a group working for a common goal. Changes can always be made in a community that can help build, shape and make it better for future generations.

My main concern is for the youth and seniors (elderly) in the community. The youth need to have something positive and productive to do or go to; this teaches them not only how to be great citizens but also mentors, managers, advisors and etc. in the community. There are several demands that should be addressed in the community. When it is handled properly with someone (such as myself) that has a heart for people and the right help, it can be a success. So, I start with small and realistic goals a “vegetable garden.” This gets the community involved. The agreement is to ensure that each person is dedicated to do what they said they would. The students agreed to do their part by providing the necessary response; to motivate the parents in getting involved as well; this helps build relationships, develop trust amongst the community and also provides extra projects in the future.

This community is large; therefore, I will meet with the proper school administration to determine the appropriate time to converse with the families, students and others in the community that will participate in the project. In this meeting I will ask their ideas.

Getting the youth in the community involved in preparing them to lead, will inspire and allow the current youth in the community to develop in the their own personal skills to outline other projects later. Having the youth in the community thinking “beyond the box” is way of helping learn strategies of how to watch, listen and learn the need of the community. This project will be successful and will motivate them to construct other projects that will enhance the community. A community should be one that embraces all nationalities and ethnicity to join and thrive; this includes businesses, schools and other organizations catered to youth that will energize the community in moving towards progression. The youth should also be the decision makers on some of the projects that are important (just as adults) to maintain balance within the community. No person should feel left out from any project within the community. It should be reminded encouraging all to be involved will bring in new faces; which comes with new ideas the will or can benefit the community. With continual determination in convincing the youth to become leaders will keep the community growing and bring forth positive new styles, creativity, ideas and views.

References

Edutopia. (2018). Exploring the Benefit of Mindset. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning

Fisher, D. (2003). Assets in Action: A Handbook for Making Communities Better Places to Grow Up. Minneapolis, MN

Furger, R. (2002). Making Connections between Home and School: Parents become Active Participants. Edutopia. Retrieved from http:///www.edutopia.org/making-connections-between-home and-school.

Lenz, B (2007). A Community of Learners: Building a Supporting Learning Environment. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/envision-schools-learning-community-respect