Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit 19′

March 3, 2019

This was my first year presenting at the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit.

“The Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit is an annual one-day experience for Grand Rapids residents, business owners and stakeholders to learn with and from each other about strategies, resources and opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods and advance equity. The day typically starts with breakfast and community resource tables, an opening ceremony and presentation, several workshop offerings throughout the day, interactive lunch activities and a closing ceremony that includes a drawing of prizes from local Grand Rapids businesses and organizations.”

“Connecting Our Stories–Connecting Our Power”

“The theme reflects the power of reclaiming and sharing our personal and community stories. While each person and community has unique realities, most stories are connected and if leveraged strategically, communities can build power by connecting stories, organizing, and showing up in solidarity for justice.”

I presented on The Cycle of Socialization, asking participants to focus on their socialization through the lens of race and its intersections, very much in keeping with the work I’ve done with the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.

“The Cycle of Socialization is a theory and resource created by Bobby Harro, which explains the ways in which individuals receive messages about social identity throughout their life. Participants will explore and reflect on messages they have received, dominant narratives and their connection to creating and maintaining inequity. The goal of this workshop is for participants to gain an understanding of identities, as well as allow them an opportunity to reflect on ways they have been socialized and identify the lasting impact.”

To learn more about the day, as well as some of the other workshops that were offered, visit the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit website.

Ubuntu,

From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins-Jones

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Relando Thompkins-Jones

I'm a macro social worker, social justice educator, and consultant who uses media and education to advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and communities. I am also the Founder, Host, Editor and Producer of Social Justice Origin Stories, a storytelling project that highlights the personal stories and defining moments that have inspired individuals and organizations to labor for equity and social justice. I started Social Justice Origin Stories because I believe in the power of storytelling and making our experiences accessible to others, because I believe in the liberatory effects of social justice education, to support justice-seekers in finding community and feeling less alone given the relentlessness of oppressive systems, and hopefully to be a resource of support and reflection for those who are thinking through how they could best contribute to the work. We need all who can, to do what they can.