An invitation to awaken to the power of YOU...
Rogue Valley Community Assessment
An Evening With Author
Author of "Diet For a Small Planet" and "Getting A Grip... "
Frances Moore Lappé Event
Rogue Valley Community Assessment
Monday, March 10th, 2008
Spiral of POWERLESSNESS (lack of goods and goodness) |
Spiral of EMPOWERMENT (plenty of goods and goodness) |
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It is difficult to find sustainable livelihoods in Ashland |
This forces us to find creative solutions. |
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The cost of gas is too high; we need to reduce our dependence on oil. |
The rising cost of oil encourages us to find alternative methods of transportation. |
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Pockets and networks of community giving the illusion of greater community than some actually experience |
Many people focus on taking care of their body, mind, and spirit here:
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Apathy is present |
Seems like everything is contentious sometimes – no apparent apathy – many diverse voices get involved no matter what the topic |
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City budget based on scarcity mentality |
City council approval of the Ashland Solar Pioneer II program |
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Many families struggle with the high cost of living in Ashland and the low wages.
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Entrepreneurial creativity abounds – many focus on the 7th generation and paying it forward, like Heartsong Chai |
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Challenge: Do you know your neighbors? |
Farming cooperatives particularly with youth in Ashland |
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Hands closed – can’t accomplish much |
Open Hands – great for giving & receiving |
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Those with Green Cards are in danger of deportation if they participate fully in the culture – fear holds them back from fully expressing |
Webspirit Community – example of sharing |
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Housing far too expensive for most |
Ashland Wellness Guide – March 15th |
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Homeless people have no where to go in Ashland and live in fear |
Many sustainability organizations in Jackson County offering new eyes & ways |
“They should” syndrome – looking to others to solve our problems regarding: youth, poverty, drugs |
Instead of making businesses, make clubs that join people together in common cause |
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Global consciousness of LACK – not focused on the plenty surrounding us: Example: “not enough time” |
Suggestion: Recognize something you love about yourself and then give it to others |
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Those who have land they are not using could share with those who want to farm it |
Ask, “Who IS community?” Create it. |
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Our zoning laws are restricting great ideas |
Create global connections |
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Lack of TRUST – both of others and self |
Notice how we FEEL when focused on negative and positive aspects of community |
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Not everyone is seen and heard |
Recognize a “problem” then flip it to become an “opportunity” |
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Media can restrict what is available |
KSRQ community radio IPR (Immense Possibilities Radio on EQ.tv |
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SOU campus not connected to the community AND visa versa |
Focus on common ground within our community diversity – celebrate! |
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Neighborhood gardening – goal is to increase local food production by 40-60% |
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Complementary currency creation to keep the benefits of money local |
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Ashland car share program |
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What do our most prevalent types of crime indicate about what is missing here or what isn’t yet being addressed? |
Relatively low crime rate in Ashland compared to general USA |
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Our sense of community – small groups inspire others, like sprouting seeds. Similar to an intentional community, yet within the larger whole |
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Concept of “owning” keeps some out - should transform into “sharing” |
Taking full “ownership” of issues allows for bold action and broader points of view |
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Fear keeps many programs from continuing:
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Great programs bringing us together:
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Use public spaces (like library and schools) as general public gathering places to promote more civic bonding and action |