Events
Quick Links
Learn more in our Brochure.
Read our newsletter The Pulse.
Check out our next free Event.
Read the Inspirational Storybook.
Explore Tool Packets.
Schedule a Brainstorming Session.
Check out the Resource Library.
Visit The ReBuilding Center.
Stop by and say Hello!
Home > Events > Special Events
Grassroots Participation in Designing Community
On October 26th, 2011 Community Outreach sponsored a presentation and dialogue, Grassroots Participation in Designing Community.
Brian Elliot, a resident of North Portland and Instructor at Portland State University, set forth ideas and research from his book, Constructing Community: Configurations of the Social in Contemporary Philosophy and Urbanism. Looking at three theories on community, he highlighted the historical contributions of each to urban planning, architecture and municipal government processes. Brian applies elements of each theory to examples in Portland, emphasizing dissenting community as particularly applicable and important. His conclusion, as a philosopher and non-expert, is an idea that rests on the right to the city. He explained that the right to the city is “predicated on the idea that you can only be the person you want to be, if you can shape the place you live in.”
Participants brainstormed ideas that would further address participation in designing community and exchanged announcements about events relative to the topic. Suggestions included:
- Discover and learn about positive, success stories (ex. City Repair, Ecodistricts)
- Ask what you have in common (as a group). Identify those values and use them to facilitate the decision-making process.
- Efforts need to be continuous and part of our culture. Establish relationships with the community and don’t expect immediate results.
- Be active in talking to people, those people that you know and those that you don’t.
- Be intentional, “create waves of positive conscientious efforts.”
The evening concluded with an opportunity to meet other participants. As food for thought, consider asking yourself what does the average person have control over in regards to their physical space? What does a person need to do to create/have a safe, vibrant, inclusive community?
Click here to view highlights and examples from Brian’s presentation.