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InterAct Cleveland had the opportunity to learn about and discuss concepts of social inclusion with local organizations at Neighborhood Connections’ Organizing for Social Inclusion training this past Monday, May 4th. Mike Green, of the Asset Based Community Development Institute in Denver, spoke about building an inclusive community that acts for the common good based on individual’s assets and motivations. In other words, only in discovering and mobilizing the passion, dreams, and skills of every member can we build the strongest, most impactful community. Here’s a sampling of what InterAct Cleveland volunteers said about the training:  L. Thompson Bryant: Imagine the lovely gallery at Trinity Cathedral fully packed with a curious crowd comprised of 60 people (from Africa, Asia, Europe, Arabia, and America) wearing the "hats" of a Social Worker, School Teacher, Spirit Leader, and Social Science Expert or the "walks of life” who are fully engaged in caring for and about each other, and you might picture the enduring scene of our work and play at the "Asset Based Community Development" training. Mike Green gave us a prepared handbook, but was even better at affirming our gifts and stories from our personal experiences when we learned how to care for one another, build on our strengths, and look to the future with tangible plans in improving our communities with healthy and encouraging involvement. Expect to hear more from us, as we are making plans to deliver! C. Fleig: Thanks for the opportunity to attend Monday’s session. While there were many good points and some great ideas, I’ve tried to focus on what I positively reacted to. · There are many “strangers in our midst.”
Connecting people with similar dreams brings relationship and inclusion. · Community needs caring relationships to build on.
Caring relationships begin with asking, with questions rather than answers. This happens with intentional, meaningful conversations. · To build bridges in our community we need to understand each other’s gifts and dreams and what we each care enough about to act.
Mobilizing individuals to act requires that we begin with what that person cares about. I am committed to finding ways to practice the italicized principles in my own relationships and with others who feel the same way.
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