Anthony Houston has been working with Instructions in the City of East Cleveland, one of the most impoverished areas in the country:
We asked. We invited individuals to attend. We asked for engagement and questions. We asked for people to envision new partnerships, not based on previous relationships, but new ones. We invited individuals in a personal way to participate in a discussion.
I am not implying that “asking” by itself, is a remedy or endpoint. I think it is a constant and often gets over shadowed by the need to get the results, and not as a primary method of authentic networks, and allowing potential partners to respond in a manner that allows for dialogue, shared points of view, and connection/collaboration.
Also, I am not arguing that asking can itself turnaround our nation’s cities, but far too often, government operates without asking, without invitations, and just does. Whether in a cloak room or boardroom, under the glare of lights or behind closed doors, creating new visions for our region, demand asking, questions, challenging points of view, and ensuring that, as we create new democratic networks, that the people participate and lead.
via Above 110th Street: The Power of Asking in Turning Around City Government.
For all the negativity that abounds Tony’s story is one we can celebrate and be encouraged by. I look forward to future updates.
We have not choice in these times but to start with the obvious which easily get overlooked, especially as power corrupts.