Our day began with our peers at the gathering sharing their own tools for Deepening Community. I'll share one particular community conversation tool shared by the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative. Great rules and different kinds of conversations to consider.
John McKnight had taken us through a two hour exploration of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) the previous day. It set the stage for today's launch of ABCD Canada. If you're still wondering about ABCD check out this helpful cartoon. If you're intrigued, consider joining the learning community and stay in touch with ABCD Canada's journey.
Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack took centre stage for the rest of the morning to discuss The Power of Caring. Here's my top three nuggets and QUESTions:
- We need to revalue care provided by love instead of care provided by money. 80% of care is done in the natural sector. It's extraordinary and not celebrated enough or held to the light as much as the 20% that occurs within a professional environment. The success of our formal system depends on the success of the natural sector. We are now careless about natural care. How do we honour and support professionally and participate personally?
- Pay attention to what feeds your spirit. Your moral oxygen. Motivation doesn't feed your spirit and it will run out. Rely on inspiration, which comes from within. You wouldn't try to climb Everest without a supply of oxygen, don't set out on any journeys in life without the same for your soul. "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do" Rumi.
- Focus on what's already happening. Dig into the ingenuity and creativity that already exists in your community. Do you really need an outside expert? Or if you do, how is their focus shining a light on what already works or gifts that are already there?
Al and Vickie left us with this "Life comes from life. Having a sense of purpose, pleasure, music, artistry. From caring for each other."
Being a Force for Good 