A colleague and I are working on a curriculum designed to guide teachers and parents through the process of using project and problem based learning. The protocol is based on our own experiences, and a bucketful of techniques used everywhere from design, to leadership circles. Today I will meet with the owner of what I hope will become two new Community Houses. I am so excited, I could hardly sleep. Thinking about this project is both exhilarating and terrifying. I can see the amazing potential to bring hope, joy and light into the neighborhood. I have already experienced a glimpse of this. But I can also imagine the project going to hell in a handbasket. Fear is such a trap. I have decided to use our protocol based on a process oriented look at solving wicked problems. Wicked problems are those that are complex, entrenched and will not respond to a quick fix. They are systemic, generational and societal issues. No matter how much money we throw at these problems, they never seem to get better. But there are those pockets of success, and these are the places that give us hope. The first step in the process we are working on is to envision the problem space. That was fun. So basically this is a first step at understanding the needs-and potential solutions. What I have are three houses, but four clearly deliniated spaces. The entreprenureal side of this is strongest in the Shop/garage space which I am calling Sue's Shop Co-Op (after my step-mom), and what I am calling Judy's House of Beauty (after my mom). I envision this space as meeting some very important needs. I see it as providing space for those who already have skills to do their good work, and also a space where youth can learn these skills. I see it as an educational space for learning business skills as well. I see it as a space where events can be hosted that focus on these skills, both training and business. I like the idea also of having home-ec type acivities. Healthy cooking and the like. I like the idea of having a garden in this space. There is a place for it. I like the idea of teaching about edible "weeds" horticulture etc. When you are really strapped for food, this can be invaluable. You can't believe the amount of edible plants are growing in my back yard, and in all the non-treated yards...For those seeking the perfect lawn, all I have to say is "Stop poisioning your food and start cooking it!"
Sue's Shop Co-Op is probably the first area I expect to see blossom. I have so many men on my block already engaging in auto repair, specialty vehicles, and the like. They have already expressed interest. It is just a matter of clearing the space and giving the green light. Sue always drove beautiful, well-cared for cars. She always made sure I had a vehicle, and I am driving her car to this day. I am very grateful to her for this. I know she would like this idea of a Shop Co-op. I like the slogan Arrive In Style. The other half of the story is creative learning, self-discovery and personal development. These will be fulfilled by the Brick House and the Indigo House. I am getting tired of typing so I will have to write more about these tomorrow.
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Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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