RTV - #32 Break the Ice

A Year of Raising the Village: Week #32: Break the Ice

An opportunity for building connections in a community happens when a gathering of people shake off their formal, guarded, business-like demeanor and step lightly into personal topics. People feel good when they are able to share things about themselves. Brief, yet meaningful glimpses, into the lives of your neighbours, colleagues and even policy makers helps to identify what our last week's blog post talked about - the things that bind.



Here are a few easy, non-threatening and actually quite fascinating ideas of things to learn about and share with people;

• favourite children's song or rhyme
• favourite season (and why)
• location of early childhood home
• names of your ancestors 
• what makes your family unique and even "quirky"
• exciting initiatives going on in your organization
• ideas for reducing stress
• traditions  

How?

• If you are part of a work meeting - use these topics as a way of introductions.
• If you are a social media users (whether new or a veteran) - ask your friends and post your own response.
• In your social groups (book clubs, sports teams, service groups) - find ways to bring up more personal interactions formally or informally.
• or try being super random - ask the cashier at the grocery store one of these questions instead of chatting about the weather (imagine how many weather conversations she/he must have over the course of a day!)

As a "village raiser" - challenge yourself to be the first one to - break the ice. 

RTV #25 Creative Give-a-ways!

A Year of Raising the Village
Week 25: Creative Give-a-ways!


There are people in every community that are in need. It might be money, food, safety, opportunity, or friendship. In fact, it would be pretty safe to say that everyone in a community is in need of something!


In terms of charity, most places have people or organizations that help take things from the "giver" and pass them along to the "receiver." It is a system that makes sense and works, with benefits to both those who have something to offer and those who have a need. Undeniably, there are also barriers and challenges to the traditional donation processes. Pride, access and equity are among them.


Our community was a recipient to a very generous donation of little girl blouses. Our issue was that these shirts were so dated (nearing ugly) and there were SO many of them that we resisted just "giving" them away in the traditional sense. The shirts would have been like a uniform for the poor - which was not what was intended!! Instead, we arranged to have them all distributed among child care facilitates as painting smocks. Now all the children's clothes (whether they have a big or small wardrobe selection) are protected during messy play.


We are curious to discover more creative, low barrier ways to get free "stuff" to the people who need it.


Here is an idea from North Carolina that made us smile...


“Sock It To Me” Wed with the Alexander County Partnership for Children
The Partnership for Children received a donation of over 600 pairs of socks including socks for men, women, and children. They advertised for people to bring a bag and pick out and up to seven pairs of free socks per person (socks for a week)! They were available on a first come first serve basis.


How about giving away warm pj's and books at an evening story-time?
What about food to celebrate - not just to fill empty stomachs?
In what ways can you help connect people who can barter?


Have some more???

RTV #18 Chase new friends - using the golden rules of outreach.

A Year of Raising the Village. Week #18 The golden rules of outreach.

Outreach efforts are one sided attempts to "chase new friends." Done with the golden rules of outreach in mind, these efforts can go a long way in strengthening connections within a community. Done without consideration, these efforts can literally chase people away and, in the long run, make building relationships harder. Often, relationships have to be built from scratch and sometimes the process can be tenuous. Is there trust, knowledge or interest to work with? Here are 3 things to keep in mind as you plan and implement outreach efforts.


Golden Rule #1 Know who you are outreaching to. And we're not talking about the stereotypes and assumptions that are held about "those people" who need to hear what we have to say!!!! Find out about the real needs and values of your target audience. Be clear about the issues that matter to them (rather than the issues that you think should matter to them). Ask questions and be prepared to listen. Questions are a stellar way to learn and they also are a non-threatening first conversation. If you come bearing information - you will be perceived in a very different way than if you come open, with questions.


Golden Rule #2 Know what your own agenda is. It would be false to convince yourself that you didn't have an ulterior motive for outreach. If you name it and claim it, you become more authentic. A dose of honesty will go along way to build trust. Ask yourself, why is outreach important? What do we want out of these efforts? What are we willing to "give" in order to "get?" By finding clarity around your agenda, you can also more objectively evaluate your efforts. How are you coming across to your potential "new friends?"


Golden Rule #3 Know your stuff and know what part of your stuff has value for others. Be ready to communicate what you have to offer in a way that will be well received (this is where golden rules #1 and 2 come in!). Always be prepared - which means that consistency plays a big role. Consistency with your messaging, consistency with your intentions and consistency with your generosity. Be ready to exceed expectations.


Village Raising Tip: Making new friends takes work and heart. Take the time to consider the golden rules of outreach.