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Over the last several years I’ve taken part in many meetings and discussions geared towards identifying and discussing communal and cultural problems and what it’s solutions are. And for those who wish rebuild their communities, hear me out. A thread—
In discourses I’ve taken part in, I’ve noticed a pattern where the discussion begins with identifying communal problems and its root causes, and often times if not many, the conversation remains in this stage and does not continue.
The conversations begins with individuals full of zeal coming together with a single goal in mind. Change. So they introduce themselves, and get familiar with one another. This phase is easy and smooth. Tim Hortons orders are being taken and the fire still burns inside everyone.
Now it’s time to get started. But before they can discuss change, they gotta discuss where they’re at and why, right ? This part is also somewhat easy, but this is the make it or break it point of the conversation
This is when everyone speaks their truths. Truth isn’t always easy to swallow. Everyone begins discussing their experiences, or the experiences of their loved ones with these problems, and slowly everyone lists what they believe are the causes of the problems.
At this point everyone’s done their coffee, the timbits got killed, fingers are pointed and the wars about to begin. You’ll hear some people say the problem begins in the household, for some it’s the crooked justice system, others say the problem is a particular gender etc
It’s so important to remember not to take anything as a personal attack in these discussions. The problem affecting your community that caused you to meet up together should matter more to you than your feelings about so and so’s take on why the problems exist. Stay focused.
It’s easy to picture a sit down with your peers and community members with the hopes of bringing change to your people until you realize that you yourself could actually be apart of the existing problem. Yes, sometimes you could be fuelling the fire and not know it.
It is key to remain sincere when wanting change. Sincerity is the willingness and courage to fix the problem that exists even if that problem is you. It’s not easy to look into a mirror and face your reality especially if that reality is ugly. But it’s necessary.
So I’ll some up my points now. Point #1 if you see the conversation is not moving past the “identifying the problems” stage, somethings wrong. You’ve discussed the problems, what’s the solution ? it’s time to discuss the solution.
A progressive discussion to me is a discussion that gives me something to take home. Something tangible and practical that I can utilize when changing myself and those around me. So remember when discussing the problems of your community to save your energy for solutions.
Point #2 you won’t always agree w/ ppl around you. Learn to move past your differences for the sake of the common goal. Too often we see ppl who came together for a common goal separate because their ideas weren’t accepted by everyone else. Not everything we want is what’s best.
Point #3 Not everyone is fit to be a leader. It’s life. Know your role and what you’re most effective at, and use it to better the cause. Role players won’t always be recognized, but they are important. And for one who is sincere, fame or recognition won’t matter to them.
Lastly, be consistent and disciplined. Even if you don’t dedicate all of yourself to the cause, be consistent in what you do decide to dedicate.
I hope it all makes sense really lol inshallah this benefits
