Rosieland Roundup 236 - There is no such thing as a “safe space”

👋 Welcome to another week in Rosieland...

Emergent community processes | Rosieland

It's impossible to fully plan for community as many of the growth and opportunities happen in an emergent fashion. As businesses we want blue prints, formulas and forever increasing efficiency gains, but perhaps we can do better.

Why every town should host an activities fair | Connective Tissue

Don't leave community to chance, create an activities fair...

Chance encounters are essential to the beautiful, organic spontaneity of civic life in our communities. But we cannot rely on chance alone to regenerate the civic life that has withered in so many places. Structure is also necessary. Cities and towns need a way to both activate community groups to recruit new members and encourage residents to become involved. 

Untitled Poem by Beth Strano

There is no such thing as a “safe space” —

We exist in the real world.

We all carry scars and have caused wounds.

This space

seeks to turn down the volume of the world outside,

and amplify voices that have to fight to be heard elsewhere,

This space will not be perfect.

It will not always be what we wish it to be

But

It will be our space together,

and we will work on it side by side.

5 community-building lessons from a season of potluck dinners | James Lang

Never underestimate the power of connection built through dinner parties. James shares the practicalities of of how he has been hosting them.