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Positive Alternatives Coalition - Intercultural
Leadership Initiative
Community Wide Prevention Meeting #6
July 10, 2007
Lakeland
Union High School |
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We gathered in a
circle to
begin the evening with introductions of each person. There were
about 15
people present. Bob started by restating the purpose of the
community
meetings: to come together to become a strong collective voice
advocating for
change. The initial agenda for this meeting was to create a
vision statement.
We were going to go through the process of creating a vision statement,
mission
statement, objectives, strategies and finally, action plans based on
the four
groups that were identified at the last meeting in June (Parents,
Youth,
Substance Abuse, Racism). We had a much smaller turnout at this meeting
than
previous meetings for various reasons (some called to say they could
not come
tonight but were still very interested in the process and would attend
future
meetings). We had only 1 representative from the Lac du Flambeau
community and
this had a great impact on the group. A long discussion ensued about
why this
might be and how we needed to be willing to change the way we are doing
this if
we are going to have a truly collective voice.
The following is a
collection of all the voices from the meeting:
Before we started
to
brainstorm, this question was asked, ‘how will we represent those who
were not able to come to the meeting?’ As people talked, it
became clear
that we would not be able to represent those who were absent, because
we are
not them. We need to recognize that different cultures process
differently and
we all need to be willing to let go of how we process and to learn from
others. We cannot make a vision statement and then invite others
into it.
Everyone needs to be part of the process, whatever that process looks
like. It
was decided that we would wait to create a vision statement until we
had
listened and learned more.
Several people shared
ideas they had for the vision statement or parts that they felt were
important
to include.
·
Trust, being open and
respect.
·
We are a group of citizens
concerned with earning trust by welcoming diverse voices in an effort
to…heal our community or …unify our community.
·
Trusting Circles of
Peace: time for reinforcing uniqueness, strengthening ties,
initiating new
groups.
·
Using knowledge and truth
to promote trust.
·
If the vision statement is
inclusive enough, then understanding and hearing the story can be part
of the
healing.
It was agreed
that
knowledge and understanding are very important. Also, that there
is not enough
of either one. People need to understand and acknowledge the
history of our
community to help the healing process. History is too often
overlooked, which
only perpetuates the issues and diminishes people. We need to try
to
understand and learn what has happened and why. Otherwise we will
make the
same mistakes.
History provides
a great
learning opportunity, but we do not always take advantage of it.
We often
learn the stories of hardship and pain in cultures far away from us-not
giving
us the chance as a community to heal ourselves by discussing what has
occurred
here. It is harder to learn stories of where you live, it is too
often too
painful to hear so we dismiss it-again delaying the healing
process. Events
are shoved under the rug, ignored and overlooked.
We need to learn about the
local history by listening to groups or individual knowledgeable people
and
their stories. The consensus of the group tonight was that we
first become a
learning group and then an action group. In an effort to learn more, it
was
suggested to ask elders, in the right way, from Lac du Flambeau to
share their
stories for our next meeting. We can come with questions, or
maybe even write
our questions first, and a desire to listen and learn. This group
wants to
learn how we can walk together so we can work together for change. As
part of
the process of learning, Ernie St. Germaine shared with the group some
of the
history, dispelled some stories that we have been taught as truth, and
gave an
invitation for anyone to ask him questions at anytime. He is
willing to sit
down and share what he knows, and if he doesn’t know, he will bring
someone who does.
One question
asked was,
“What are historic moments of people coming together for forgiveness
and
healing? Public figures apologizing, falling of the Berlin
wall, the Holocaust Museum, people in our
community listening instead of speaking back. These moments have
all come
about because of forgiveness, humility and persistence. We need
to be willing
to wash another’s feet, to say ‘I’m sorry.’ We need to
be open and learn to walk together.”
We can’t solve
all
of the difference between cultures, but we can learn how to get
along. In
fact, maybe just saying that we are different and accepting that would
be a
very healthy thing. We can try to understand each others history.
If everyone
tries a little it will make a difference. We have unique
communities with many
good qualities. We need to focus on the positive things that are
happening.
Suggestions for the
future meetings:
·
Invite people in positions
of pwer/leadership to come to our meetings before we have a finished
product.
It is important for them to see and be a part of the process too.
·
Put announcements on the
radio and in the newspaper the week before each meeting.
·
We need more people at the
table.
·
All of the information can
be overwhelming. Pick 1-3 points to focus on each time.
·
Identify pressing issues
that we can take action on now, and use as a learning experience.
·
Everyone bring an idea for
a vision statement.
The next meeting
is scheduled for August 21
at AVW School-Bob and Ernie will be working to re-connect the group
with folks
from LdF for that meeting so the place may change and if it does we
will let
you know. In light of tonight’s meeting and discussion, we are going to
be working on developing a different kind of relationship in our group
and at
the same time try and keep a focus on issues we need to address while
this
process is going on. We will still try and keep the four
“committees” going and will provide time for them at the next
meeting if that works for everyone.
Bob
Kovar, Project
Director
Intercultural Leadership
Initiative
Positive Alternatives
Coalition
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