#hamlineuniversity

This morning, we met with the Steinbruck coordinator, Sarah, to go over some final reflections that included talking about the concept of the “Active Citizenship Continuum.” This concept breaks down an individual into four types of people:

Members - those not concerned about the community.

Volunteers - well-intentioned people who do work, but don’t ask “why” to gain a broader understanding.

Conscientious Citizens - those who start asking “why”; in some cases, because of an experiential situation such as meeting a person who is dealing with the issue at hand.

Active Citizen - people who prioritize community when making decisions. They want to make where they live a better place for all.

All people live somewhere on this continuum and can move back and forth and any point. Plus, the continuum is not issue-specific, but how you live your life as a whole.

One other concept that was a simple, yet effective exercise to use in many situations was the concept of asking three questions for critical analysis - What, So What, Now What? What is the event, why does it matter, what are next steps? This concept helps apply essential action plans, which are at times missed entirely.

This afternoon we got to partner with Bread for the City. I tried my best not to talk it up too much beforehand to my fellow breakers (since I had been introduced to BFTC last year when I was a participant on the trip). I didn’t want to puff it up more than it could deliver on. I realize now that those reservations were a bit silly. Haha. I’m not gonna pretend like it is a perfect organization, but I really see it as maybe the best model for cities and communities who are serious about serving their communities of people experiencing homelessness. Easy for me to say when I assume that those types of big initiatives and decisions aren’t in my hands (which I should stop assuming).

Bread for the City is a non-profit that seeks to provide as many services as possible under one roof for those experiencing homelessness. Currently they have two locations in DC: one in the NW, and one in the SE. Between the two locations they run initial social services, supplementary food services, clothing services, medical services, and legal services. Their values were visually obvious when we walked in–dignity, service, respect–all lettered massively on metal boards. The building was beautiful too. Sonya was our guide and expert who gave us the tour of the place, explaining each of the facets of the organization as we went.

My favorite thing that she shared was about how Bread for the City involves people who experience(d) in the decision making processes and feedback loops for each branch of the work that they do–all the way up to the board of directors. Bam. As we’ve seen all week, the folks who have experienced the injustices of homelessness are the ones whose voices are most valuable in seeking to change the story. Steve, John, and Eric at the National Coalition for the Homeless (https://vimeo.com/165532293), Reggie, Dominic, and Christina at Charlie’s Place–they’re the ones out there making it happen. Bread for the City also prioritized those voices, which I am pumped about.

After our tour with Sonya, she got us started on sorting clothes donations in order to simplify shelving for their clothing program (SE site). I’m gonna be honest and say that when I looked at my watch at 3:36pm I was doubtful of whether we’d finish before we needed to leave at 4:30pm. I was proven wrong! Our team utilized our varied and wonderful skills so efficiently that we got done early around 4:15pm. How about that?

The thing that sticks with me about Bread for the City is just how comprehensive their services are. They get lawyers and doctors and clients and social workers and gardeners and volunteers to engage together to listen to the needs of their clients and do all that they can to help. Don’t be surprised mom if I move to D.C. after college. Or maybe I’ll be the person who plants Bread for the City-MSP in a few years. Who are my doctors, lawyers, and social workers out there? My email is right here: [email protected]. Let’s get talking.

After joining Bread for the City for the afternoon the fam got to relax and enjoy a good night out eating at Mayur Kabab House (Pakistani/Indian food). Sorry to those of you that would’ve appreciated something more familiar. As for me…that mango lassi though. <3

For reflection we waded through the murky waters of whether it is better to act for social justice from a place of compassion or from a kit of information/research. Maybe both?

Goodnight and sleep well. We’ll be headed for the airport in 6 hours…😅