Engaging Our Spaces
A little piece of porch is all you need. And snacks.
That was a teaser for our podcast episode (#5) on community engagement, and it still rings true today.
Related to this topic is the story about my volunteer experience with The Jobs Partnership of Florida as a job counselor for three unemployed women. I was recruited to give my time and expertise. In addition to attending the weekly training, I offered transportation assistance on the weekends for running errands.
One woman was especially engaging, always asking questions. She was sharp. On Saturday she called and asked me to come a little early because she had something for me. “As I’ve learned about your routine and schedule, I think you would benefit from a coupon system that would allow you to save time and money. I made you a book and want to review it with you.”
Excuse me? You think I need help?
As I shared with Lynn, I was embarrassed because my reaction meant that I viewed this relationship as a one-way exchange. I was there to help her. The differences in our circumstances were obvious, yet this woman had been asking questions and getting to know me. And as friends do, she looked for opportunities to encourage and support me. Yes, I needed help.
“She was using her expertise she had developed to serve you. I thought it was really beautiful.”
Lynn was correct in noting that this unexpected gift changed my behavior in a couple of different ways. Top of the list was learning more about what is known as Asset-Based Community Development which now informs my approach to volunteering. When you begin a project (or relationship), you recognize that every individual, every place has something to contribute. Everyone has an asset. Observing before serving is a new mantra.
A Neighborly Way to Engage
Similar to Little Free Libraries, one of our neighbors has two poetry boxes on the front edge of their property. Fortunately, this area is not governed by a traditional HOA. We are an historic district so there are caveats for renovation, but not necessarily for day to day living.
Having freedom with one’s yard and home resonates with Lynn, who served on her HOA board, even logging a term as president. “Anyone who has served on a board has stories!” (Maybe a later episode?!?)
These poetry boxes blend in. When you drive by, you might not even notice them. The selections vary, changing out every couple of weeks, noting special occasions and seasons. Lynn knows I’m not someone naturally drawn to poetry. However, what I am drawn to is a neighbor who has made an intentional effort to engage with their community.
This action prompted me to ponder how I am engaging others in my places and spaces. Why does this matter? I settled on two responses and asked Lynn for her thoughts, too.
#1 Engaging people and places means that I’m thinking outside of myself and circumstances.
Lynn, “Agree. When we turn inward, all kinds of negative things can happen. … Looking outward also gives us a whole different perspective.”
#2 Engaging people and places reflects an investment in a community.
Lynn, “Yes, and I would encourage you to do it in a way that works best for you, like this neighbor.”
Lynn also uses a porch party my husband and I hosted as an example. We are renters in a building with six other units. On an evening when the neighborhood residents were going to be out, we used a crock pot and cooler to transform a limited (albeit covered) walkway into a casual-dinner-people-watching spot where relationships were made.
I’m reminded of a children's folk story, “Stone Soup '' in which hungry villagers are fed by asking individuals to bring whatever they have to offer. One their own, the contributions appear somewhat meager, but when gathered as one, the new soup is more than sufficient to address the need.
For those “spaces” in our lives - whether found in relationships or actual square footage wherever we live, let’s look outward, opening our hearts and eyes to others. And remember - observe before you serve!
BONUS: Stone Soup is also a literary magazine written by children for children (and maybe adults, too?!?). Quoting their website, “We publish a bimonthly print magazine of poetry, fiction, essays, and artwork as well as a blog that includes book reviews, a poetry podcast, travelogues, and responses to current events—all by kids under 14.” The site offers a blog and resources for educators.
A POINT OF GRATITUDE
I am grateful for my unknown neighbors who are taking time to share something of beauty. Inspired by their example, may I choose to pace myself in a manner that allows me to see others and their assets!
A Place of Grace
Prompted by the discovery of neighborhood poetry boxes, I seize opportunities to browse a nearby used book store for work by Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry. Their words have encouraged an outward-facing perspective on a variety of topics.
“Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.”
“A Poetry Handbook,” Mary Oliver
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What motivates you to volunteer?
What are different expressions of community engagement that you’ve observed?
Are you more likely to build a poetry display box or headline a public poetry reading?
