Gallery ~ Connecting4Community, Day 1
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first arrival — unintentional street art? white blasted dumpster caught my eye outside of Starfire Council while me and my travel-mates waited for our friend…
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Two friends from Indy, Jenn and Peter, rode up together. They are taking part in a “Make a Difference” effort within their organizations facilitated by Tesserrae Learning. They’re focusing on how to shift ways of working with folks labelled with developmental disabilities to ward a more asset-based, person-centered approach. That is, instead of just receiving services, these folks can enjoy authentic connection in their communities around their gifts and passions.
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Sarah Buffie (L) of Starfire Council talks with Jenn & Peter about a person-centered, community-based approach to working with people labeled with disabilities — Starfire and its members are AMAZING in their efforts to shift the conversation away from services, needs and deficiencies to one of connection, relationships, inclusion and reciprocity. It was inspiring to hear their conversation.
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Sarah explains the current reality for most people labeled with a disability…
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Unlike most of us, folks with this label tend to have relationships primarily with people who are paid to spend time with them, or with other folks with disabilities. They might have one or two friends in community and typically have family relationships. This is massively skewed from what the rest of us enjoy.
Is working to shift this — (see more at www.starfirecouncil.org)
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A beautiful vine-covered gazebo-type structure
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Whey I first visited Starfire Council last year, I never actually went to the building. Instead, we had conversations in coffee shops and other local spots out in the community where folks previously relegated to “outings” and other activities only with other disabled folks were now turning ideas into projects and partnerships in their communities around their passions. Biking, baking, sports — I was and continue to be impressed with these folks!
See the story of last year’s learning journey here: http://www.gcdd.org/blogs/gcdd-spotlight/2459-learning-journeys-spark-and-promote-connections-.html
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roasted garlic at Arnold’s, the oldest bar in Cincinnati
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From the Real Communities Initiative in Georgia, these folks do groundbreaking work. It’s along the same philosophy as Starfire and Make a Difference, but from their own unique community organizing approach. Pictured here is Caitlin Childs, (Organizing Director), and Organizer Stacey Harwell
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Teri Palzor Schell (L), one of the on-the-ground organizers in her own community, talking with Director Eric Jacobsen
www.gcdd.org/real-communities
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We left just in time to see the tub–once used to make bathtub gin–unlocked and wheeled into safety for the night.
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Morningtime–first day of the conference! We’re greeted by the fresh, warm smiles of Stephanie and Avi as we enter and take in this beautifully designed space in the Cincinnati Club downtown.
for event info: http://connecting4community.wordpress.com/
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Talented artist and graphic recorder Avril Orloff transformed the words and ideas being spoken throughout the conference into beautiful pictures
www.avrilorloff.com
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upon entering the circular crowd, we were enveloped by the beautiful, flowing original music of pianist and leadership innovator Michael Jones.
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Cincinnati Club ceiling.
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Charles Holmes, one of the key event organizers and hosts, introduces Graphic Recording genius Avril Orloff.
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A friend of Peter Block’s interviews Peter.
For more on Peter’s message and how it impacted me: http://www.aprildoner.com/c4c-pt1/
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Barbara McAfee shares her wonderful musical talent. Her original music, straight from the heart, captured the soul of our purpose during those days. Barbara reminded me pleasantly of my Aunt Marilyn, the only girl on my father’s side of the family, who is a passionate pianist and one of my favorite female relatives
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Barbara McAfee with leadership philosopher Peter Kostenbaum
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rich small-group conversation with three young women doing amazing work in US and Canada — (L-R) Rachel Brnjas (Tamarac Institute, Canada), Rasmia Kirmani (Community Solutions, NYC), and Avi Kruley with the Mount Madonna Institute (CA)
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well fed!
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Walter Brueggemann blows our minds with a captivating re-telling of the Old Testament as I’ve NEVER heard it before —
for an excellent summary, read this by my friend and fellow blogger Rachel: http://seekingcommunity.ca/blogs/rachel-elizabeth/exodus
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Peter Kostenbaum, leadership philosopher
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celebrated anthropologist Angeles Arrien spoke about story and narrative across world cultures…
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In ancient and many indigenous cultures, if a person is down or depressed, people would ask them one of four questions…
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This was a beautiful story that hit me particularly hard. To read more, see http://www.aprildoner.com/c4c-pt1/
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The story of Pandora, which has a near-identical version in every major culture… (interesting!)
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Barbara leading us energetically in song.
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Event host Louise Van Rhyn
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innovator in Time Banking Edgar Cahn
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hosts Louise Van Rhyn and Charles Holmes introduce Ward Maillard, who is initiating a School of Community Studies at the Mount Madonna Institute
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After the last session, an electrified (and kind of tired) gang of us headed to the home of Starfire Council staff Tim and Rebecca’s home for a barbeque. Caught this neat sweeping hill shot from the car.
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just across the river is… Kentucky!
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Spring!
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Arrived! Pioneers in Time Banking Edgar Cahn (L) and Chris Gray (far Right) together with Michelle Strutzenberger of Axiom News ~ a Canada-based news organization that’s changing the focus from what’s wrong with us to what’s right with us.
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As the folks at Starfire remind me constantly, the best way to build community is do what folks already love to do, and be inclusive about it — gather informally, with FOOD!
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Tim is a Whiskey afficionado and an “Ambassador” of Maker’s Mark (which is made in Kentucky)
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a patriotic bottle of Maker’s Mark
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a stimulating discussion about how we practice inclusion, connection and citizenship in our own lives with the Starfire folks (Tim & Rebecca Vogt)
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home! (well, “hotel home”!)
Hi April
perhaps you remember me from the recent connecting for communities conference. it was lovely to meet you. your story about Montelle really captivated me. are you able to send it to me please? keep smiling? warm regards Annalise
Annalise! I was just going back through my posts and came across this… did I ever send you that story??!!
Here is a fantastic version of it told by his friend, De’Amon Harges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6yiRXVP90g