Community, civilization building, Non-Violent Communication as taught by Marshall Rosenberg, attachment parenting, homeshcooling, unschooling, volleyball, cooperative games, music, open space technology, right livelihood, upholding the constitution, supporting Ron Paul for President, community gardens, organic gardening, emergent Christianity, working with youth to empower them to make a difference, organizing in a way that harnesses people's passion and talents, time banking, barter, edible landscaping
Music
Any music that has a meaningful message that helps inspire people to build a better world. I especially like music which people can sing along with, dance to, and feel inspired by. Some favorite artists are Pete Seeger, Carol Johnson, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and the Weavers
Movies
I love movies that help us to realize that we can overcome the most difficult obstacles in order to achieve our worthwhile goals. Movies that show how people are inherently good, and how even the most evil person can change. I enjoy true stories so we can be very powerfully reminded of what is possible, and fantasies to remind us what is possible.
Television
I appreciate that there are more and more shows on television that are uplifting and informative and truth telling, like Amy Goodman's Democracy Now, and Animal Planet's "Animal Miracles". The more we know what is really happening,and the more we know the good things that are happening (which is sorely neglected by the mass media) the more people are encouraged to rise above their difficulties and be the best they can be.
Books
Bowling Alone and Better Together by Richard Putnam. I have not read these books, but I have seen the reviews and read a website that outlines the materials presented. The topics presented are dear to my heart, and things I have been thinking about for 33 years. I look forward to reading them, but right now I am too busy trying to build social capital (talked about in these books) and I don't have a lot of time to read books!
Heroes
Anyone who helps to make a better world, including: Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ron Paul for President 2008, Desmond Tutu, Marshall Rosenberg founder of Center for Non-violent Communication, Pierre Scott Heiferman, Co-Founder, CEO of Meetup.com
My goal in life to produce a pilot Community Gathering; fine tune it; then promote the concept so that there is a Community Gathering in every neighborhood.
What is a Community Gathering?
The Community Gathering
An easy, fun way to help neighbors work together to create thriving, self-reliant communities where everyone gets their needs met.
Combine the ingredients of easy accessibility: childcare, food, transportation, and a space to meet--with fun activities like music, art, and dance--throw in some learning like communication skills, and how to garden. Toss in people who want to work together to better themselves and their world.
Mix it all up with a fantastic facilitation tool which helps people self-organize and cooperate called Open Space Technology. And you have the Community Gathering!
Envision a Community Gathering...
..
The Community Gathering makes it easy for neighbors and friends to:
* Find meaningful ways to serve using their unique talents
* Play music. Dance. Play games. Do Art. and do other fun things with friends of all ages
* Take classes. Get coaching and mentoring. Find someone to listen. Get support for your projects and problems.
* Meet regularly (usually weekly) to keep the momentum going
* Find other people who share common goals
* Build friendships and trust, leading to more cooperation
* Network with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds to get jobs, childcare and other important needs met
* Be engaged in "civilization building" with the whole family and your neighbors
* Find ways to get everyone's needs met including finding meaningful work, electing political candidates, learning, safety and caring for the environment
A Community Gathering can be sponsored by anyone who wants to better his or her community. With the help of a handbook and DVD that is in the process of being developed, just about anyone who really wants to can do the following:
* Find and work with a planning team to carry out the various details
* Use a simple meeting facilitation technique called Open Space Technology that encourages people to take responsibility and get support for what they are passionate about.
* Find an appropriate space to meet
* Raise the necessary funds and find volunteers
* Keep the environment clean, family friendly and safe
* Use communication and bartering methods such as time banking,keeping people connected even more.
* Make sure that such essential topics as emergency preparedness, neighborhood safety, and food production are covered.
*Use the democratic process to keep improving and expanding the gathering
Do you want to make a huge difference in your neighborhood and world? Start a Community Gathering in your neighborhood.
For more information, to offer feedback, or get involved in a local Community Gathering contact Patricia Mikkelson
Who I'd like to meet:
People who want to get involved with the Community Gathering Project
