Annette's journal - October Meeting
Date: 10/17/00
From: Nurse B
To: Annette
It started out tragically but ended up OK. Clarice and Andre came from the Photovoice (Andre is the kid (23) that spoke about the police chasing them off). The Old Guard were effectively excluding them at first, made sure Andre did not receive a copy of the handouts and when I got more and passed them that way, Mrs Meegan KEPT all three copies. I did finally get him a copy. The group dynamics are that everyone mumbles so you can't hear anything, there is so much focus on Parliamentary Rules that there is no discussion. THERE IS NO DISCUSSION. I finally had to fix it a little even though I'm not officially on the board. Got some discussion going. The woman who was worried that you wouldn't give enough bathroom breaks and who constantly says "I know my community and they are lazy" wanted to critique and chose which photos would be shown. I almost had to kill her. THEN she comes up with the statement about how she is a very positive person and only wants positive goals. The discussion centered on "how do we present the photo display and what do they say."
Andre came up with the idea that everyone loved: The City Name Community:
What do you see? Create a New Vision For City Name. Not a suggestion box because that implies something is wrong but an idea box - an open survey. Even Ms Positive liked it. So we will start in the MultiService Center and then go to a church or to Andre's school, I think. We had to waylay Ms. Meegan because as President of the Governing Board she recommended that we cancel all meetings until January. At least I wasn't the only one that objected. So by the time we meet in a month the Photos should have been displayed in at least three different places for a week each.
Yes, you should call Clarice and Andre for coaching and advice. Andre's number is XXX-XXXX. He actually was pleased with how the meeting went. He had been hesitant because he thought it would be too formal. Clarice and Andre were both voted to be on the Board. And they would like another day of dialogue for planning if you can still come on Dec. 16th. I think that would be great to mingle the old guard with the new. The Banquet is next week. Seppie sent out invitations to this meeting and the Banquet but I haven't gotten mine yet and Toni (the 30 year old who came back to AH) showed up about 8:45PM and said that she had just gotten it in the mail that day when she got home from work and had rushed right over.
Well, this is getting long and I know there is more to tell you but I'll have to remember it first.
Love, Nurse B
Journal entry Oct 18, 00
I called Clarice and we chatted. She was surprised at the resistance she felt at the government board meeting. She said "But they invited me to be on the board…and then when I got there all of a sudden it changes to filling out an application to join." Her voice is so unexpectedly soft. I would be angry — she is just mildly surprised. She wants to know how if we can get a grant and make sure the money goes to people in the community. I told her we have to get people into action — productive demonstrable action —something someone is willing to pay for. In other words, the money will go to whomever is taking action and making things happen — and in their case, they need to demonstrate a track record of action before they can convince grant people that they are doing something worth financing.
She also asked about when people ask what we should be doing, "What do I tell them?" I told her…tell them to come on December 16. I should’ve remembered that list of things we made up. Where did that list go? It is supposed to be displayed with the pictures. I’ll have to ask Nurse B.
We underestimated how entrenched the old guard is, and how little they realize that their efforts to "help" actually shut down the rest of the group. Being "positive" translates into denial. Parliamentary procedure looks fair on the surface but discriminates against those who don’t understand the rules. Obstacles in the name of "proper process" simply wear out the renegades until they give up.
Subj: Acres Home - Photovoice
Date: 11/22/00
From: Annette
To: Nurse B
Dear Nurse B
I talked to Andre this morning. He was asking about Thursday - I didn't really know what to say (what's on Thursday?) but I told him all anyone would want him to do is to tell his story. I hope that's right
He was saying "I didn't really do nothin at the governing board meeting" - and I told him "That's not what I hear. I hear your idea forged the path to agreement!!!" He was pleased. I think he was getting scared about getting involved - I could hear it in his voice. The Moses thing - "don't pick me Lord, pick someone else." We all go through it. So I talked him through and then I picked up on Clarice's comment - "if we get this money how can we keep it for us, here?"
Andre was into that. He said "yeah I don't want the government coming in and telling us how we should be and what we should do" so I said - dealing with grant people is just like someone coming up to you and asking to borrow $500 - the first question you want answered is "for what?" and even if they say "my grandmother is sick" you are probably going to want to meet this guy's grandmother and talk to her doctor. So the grant people want to know that you really need the money for something worthwhile and they want to know you have a plan and know how to follow through with that plan. And I also told him it will take forever (getting them ready for the long haul) before you ever get to a meeting where you get to talk to the people who can actually make the money decision. The people you talk to first are the people who can take you to the people who make the decisions. He got it. I'm excited. I talked to him about the Dec meeting. He was hoping I would be at the banquet. I wish I could.
He told me about his suspicious feelings "In the beginning - see, I love my hood - I ain't saying I didn't care but I wasn't going to take pictures to made it look bad - I figure you were just coming in and going to use us to get inside and see whatever you wanted to see. But after the second meeting--it wasn't like I didn't care before but after that meeting -- I could see that there were things I could do. Things that needed to be done to make things better. I felt like I wanted to do something"
That is an important part of his story — the cynicism and mistrust. I believe that anyone who wants to help any group has to understand THAT part of their story first.
Subj: thanks
Date: 11/13/00
From: Andre
To: Annette
Hello, I know it’s been a long time but I have not forgot about you. I've tried to call a number of times, but you weren't at home. My time is short, and I have to go. I will write you later. Until then thanks allot for every thing. Its been a real pleasure being involved in every thing that has taken place. In some odd way I feel I have power. I will expound on it all later. I just want to say thanks for believing in me.
Subj: Re: thanks
Date: 11/13/00
From: Annette
To: Andre
<< In some odd way I feel I have power. >>
You do, Andre. You have a LOT of power. I look forward to watching that power at work. I just got back from Cambodia and Thailand where I was at an international conference talking to people who do the same kind of work I do. I learned some very interesting things that are going on in Bogata, Columbia that might be helpful for us in City Name. When we finally connect on the telephone I will tell you more. I look forward to seeing you in December.
Subj: Fwd: Acres Home - Photovoice
Date: 11/21/00 9:24:34 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Nurse B
To: Annette
Here is a note from someone at the university:
<< Hi Nurse B,
I'm really excited about making a web site from the Photovoice
materials. It seems like such a natural idea, and the materials are
engaging, exciting and -- most wonderfully -- already in a digital
format. Frankly it should be a lot more interesting and worthwhile (and
fun!) than a lot of stuff that I do, which is more in the realm of
internal communications. For example, I just finished a huge web site
that put an entire accreditation self-study, comprised of hundreds of
pages of stuff, online. Not too exciting, to say the least.
Talk to you soon.
XXXXX >>
Thought you'd like to read this note. He seems like a nice guy.
Last night Acres Home Governing Board Meeting went very well. I think we are actually dialoguing. Everyone is looking forward to Dec 16. Clarice gave a long and lovely description of the plan she and Mary had done in Lego's. A grocery store with a community garden beside it to grow fresh vegetables. A day care along with a senior center so the two generations can mix. Dental office. Drug rehab center and classrooms for programs for people who are just out of jail and don't know what to do next. A main intake office so people can be directed to the appropriate services. Of course, we mentioned not to forget Andre's gym and weight room and he looked pleased that I had remembered. Mr. Jones even spoke up and said we need office space. He wants a community "Home" where the business of the community can be conducted. I assure you that University people and other members of the "in" and "out" leadership will be there. Even Miss "bathroom breaks" is engaged. We have been getting comment sheets. I love Andre. He watches the display from afar to see people's reactions. He saw two separate occasions where people (and these are young kids his age) read the display and wrote comments that they wanted to help and left name and phone number and he couldn't believe it because he didn't think either one of them was the type. I have been given the responsibility of compiling the notes and having them blown up on posters for the 16th. Will email to you ahead of time. Anyway, it seems to be going very well and they are taking control. Evelyn is going to try writing a grant. It's $1,000 from our local basketball team. I told her I would help her or look at it when she was done but she sounds pretty confident that she can do it. Oh, and she is officially on the Governing Board now. And every member was there except one last night. Usually we are lucky to have two or three.
Love, Nurse B
Subj: Fwd: Acres Home - Photovoice
Date: 11/28/00
From: Annette
To: Nurse B
Dear Nurse B,
So we almost have a totally new crowd on Dec 16...I'm thinking and thinking on what to say and how to design the day. I'm going to ask Clarice and Andre to tell part of the story. I'll call them to give them a heads up. I was hoping we would have some big guns there — and you did it!!! That is so-o-o-o cool.
I'm very excited about what we are doing. Over Thanksgiving, a lady in my mother's Sunday school class was talking about her community work and pointed out that she never wanted a project that was "fully funded" that any workable community project needed to continue to justify itself over and over again to the community it served. I'm hoping that we can make that happen in City Name - the ideas we are coming up with certainly have that potential - a web of giving and receiving.
Love, Annette
Subj: Fwd: Acres Home - Photovoice
Date: 12/01/00
From: Nurse B
To: Annette
I'm attaching the comments from "what do you see" sheets. The thought was to enlarge them on posters for the group. There is someone at the school who would do it but I'm not sure they are relevant enough to be worthwhile. What do you think? Of course I'm behind but am enjoying having a more rounded life. Even though papers are not done, we spent time this weekend doing Christmas stuff. Tried to take the whole family out to look for a Christmas tree together as a bonding experience.
See you soon.
Nurse B
Create a New Vision for City Name
Responses to the Question: What do you see?
"This really caught my eye because I’ve always lived here in City Name and I like to know where I should and shouldn’t shop at and who need help because I believe in helping my community. And I would encourage anyone to please continue to help those who can’t help themselves."
"I see a problem that has never gone unnoticed but always neglected. This piece is indeed an eye opener. How can concerned people like me get involved?"
"This is my "hood" (neighborhood) and as long as we talking about doing something nothing not going to be done but I like the idea of cleaning up and fixing up to make the recreation parks look better. Help people who are disable but dat sh__ is a dream."
"I see a lot of misused words!"
"Self-esteem program for kids (girls) ages 8 — 18."
"I live off (Two Street Names). I pass through City Name every day. I see a neighborhood that is just not taking care of like many neighborhoods in that area. Maybe the government don’t care, maybe that’s how they want it. However, something must be done for our future, the children’s future. Action Must Be Taken!"
1. Cleaner streets
2. Better living
3. Clear walls (no paint or graffiti)
4. bigger library
5. more community activities
6. make more convenient stores
"I see City Name one day a sub-division with out all the trash & illegal dumping. We need more people to report illegal dumping by taking a license plate # and giving it to the police and charges being brought against the criminals, because it’s basically the same people that do the dumping over and over again."
"I do not see the laughing children, people with nice homes and driveways, or schools. Some people are doing positive things in and for the community."
1. More community support
2. More money
"The City is guilty over 90% of these pictures. We are not in the country, we pay City taxes but get no City service."
Subj: hello
Date: 12/2/00 12:04:07 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Andre
To: AnnetteGPC
hello Annette
Hey this Andre. I was just thinking about you and
decided to say hello, By the way I can't wait to see
you on the sixteenth. My mind is drawing a blank on
ideas for the meeting on what can be done, but I'm
still contemplating. One thing that we do need here is
employment, and thats really been on my mind. So a
food mart of some-kind would be great. maybe even two
because the "44" is so big, (‘44’ refers to the bus line through
City Name) and the transportation can
be scarce for some people. I know that won't cure
unemployment but it will make a small difference.
Another thing thats been on my mind is "Wilson Park".
To my knowledge there are only three parks City Name,
Wilson park is one of them. This is not the the
park that I have brought up on occasion, and I haven't
been their in a while. But the situation is this: The
two other parks have full time staff along with
programs set for the youth (I say youth like I'm a Old
man). Any way this is what i believe to be the biggest
and most beautiful park in the the neighborhood. But
nothing is going on there. Johnson (my Park) has
almost everything, if not everything. To add on to
what is already had Johnson is getting an indoor
gym. this is good, and bad. The good part about this
is; the regulated goals, the rain and cold factor,
wood floors,etc.. but the bad thing is that when the
doors close what is there for the local people to do.
At the present time you can come by at 10 at night,
and find people playing basketball. This won't be
possible with a indoor gym, and I know of know of no
gym thats open on Sundays. In a way we are getting
whats needed but at the same time we are being
controlled. Back to the subject, Wilson Park has
nothing along with the space for every thing. How come
Wilson can't even get a building just so people for
youth functions. To my knowledge there are three
people that work for Johnson City, maybe four. If you
talk to them they will tell you that they love their
jobs, and I am so happy for them. They might not get
payed that much, but are proud to go to work every
day. Wilson can have that as-well. After school the
Johnson City park is unofficial transformed into a
kind of day-care. some working parents that can't
afford baby sitters, or have no one else to turn to
leave their kinds at the park(this is a Good Thing).
those employees of the park watch after the kids as if
the kids were theirs. They are supervised, the kids
also do their homework there, and is helped with it if
needed. During the summer there is a lunch program for
the kids, and other things as well. The list can go
on and on, Johnson City is a great park. Wilson park
could be the same but their isn't a building their to
start these kinds off things started. If Wilson park
had a building this would provide employment as-well
as "unofficial" day-care, along with programs that
will allow the youth to have something to do, like
basketball leagues for both girls and boys. A whole
lots more can happen also, The first thing we need is
a building.
Thats all, my original intentions were to say Hi, but
it turned into this. Talk to you on the sixteenth
Subj: hello
Date: 12/4/00
From: Annette
To: Andre
Hey Andre,
Great to hear from you! I'm looking forward to the 16th as well. I really liked reading your thoughts. You have a good mind. These are good ideas. I want you to be a little careful talking about the "unofficial" daycare though. I can just see some government person getting all upset about "unqualified" people taking care of the kids or risk of insurance or liability issues and screwing that up. I love that they do it. I just have been around the system long enough to have good instincts about what breaking rules (even to do good) looks like to the people who love rules. Some people really love rules - the rules make them feel safe. And if you are serious about being the kind of man who creates change (for the "youth," you old man!) then one of the skills you will need is a deep understanding about rules and people's relationship to rules. They aren't wrong - they just look at it differently. You and I do not love rules - we aren't wrong either. We just need to watch ourselves and make sure we don't get cut off before we have a chance to do some good.
So keep thinking. Keep your eyes open and your heart open (even around the rule-lovers). We have a real opportunity here to change lives. I'm excited.
See you soon, Annette
|
E-mail this story