Dec 20, 2009
This month’s issue of Youth Today highlights the story of Brian King and his path from the streets of Chicago as a high ranking member of the Gangster Disciples to receiving the 2009 California Peace Prize. The California Wellness Foundation recognized three leaders from throughout the state for their significant contribution to peace and violence prevention within our most vulnerable communities.
I had an amazing personal experience while attending the conference where these honorees were recognized. I found myself in a room with nearly 300 people who represented all walks of life and carried with them individual stories of pain and perseverance that were both eye opening and humbling. Some had been part of the problem that so many are trying to solve in our neighborhoods while others were the real victims. I met an incredible woman who had lost both of her sons in two separate drive by shooting incidents 16 years ago and has since built an organization called “Drive By Agony” to work with youth and the media to build a voice against violence. What touched me the most is that I was in a room full of people who have made a decision to be part of the solution and are committing their life’s work to doing what they can to BE the difference. I loved what honoree Olis Simmons from Youth UpRising shared with us about preventing violence. She said “Be expansive in your notion of prevention. It’s not simply preventing a physical disease; it’s preventing the loss of hope.”
Tags: Gang Prevention, wisdom
Posted in Gang/Violence Prevention |
Aug 2, 2009
I read a great article last week from an issue of Fast Company Magazine about the brainstorming approach called design thinking. Some say it is part art and part science. I love the idea of a methodology that incorporates multiple disciplines and invites the world at large into the creative process. Kelley’s firm IDEO which established this approach called design thinking operates with a focus that lies at the intersection of insight and inspiration informed by business, technology and culture. This kind of stuff gives me hope that we really can come up with solutions that nobody has before. It gets even better when you read about Kelley’s willingness to share their methodology knowing that they will always be able to outdo what has been already thought of. He doesn’t operate in the fear of scarcity. It is a powerful combination of attitude and approach for the common good. His next challenge? Redesigning the way designers are educated at Stanford’s new “D School”.
Tags: Creativity, wisdom
Posted in Creativity |
Jul 8, 2009
I just finished some editing work on video we shot in the southwest Fresno community for a project we are working on for First 5 Fresno County. The process is so illuminating. I’m reminded once again of how much we all have in common and how much trouble we usually have as a society in seeing that.
The residents we interviewed live in one of our city’s most neglected neighborhoods, isolated by poverty and crime. Regardless of the many societal gaps represented when working inside of disenfranchised communities you will find so many good people who just want opportunity, a better life for their children, the chance to learn, a way to connect with others and give back. These inner city residents were comfortable talking with us because they could feel our heart. They’ve seen us around and know we care. Their instincts tell them that we can be trusted and that we aren’t going away. As a result they are willing to open up and risk telling us their story. These stories help us realize how much we do have in common. They honor the deep need we all have to express ourselves and they work to bridge those gaps that keep us from coming together in a way that serves each other.
Digital storytelling is becoming a powerful medium thanks to the web. It allows us to capture human expression and gives all people, especially the most disconnected, a chance to use their voice. The non profit sector is beginning to understand how to leverage this medium. Organizations like the Center for Digital Storytelling are providing technical assistance around the world. This week we are meeting with The National Campaign out of Washington D.C. to talk about using this medium for advocacy work, a project funded by The California Wellness Foundation.
Powerful communication will always touch your heart. A good story will always come from your heart. What I love about working inside of these communities, is that the residents will be sure they can feel your heart before they’ll tell you their story. It doesn’t get any more real than that.
Tags: Communication, Video
Posted in Communication Strategies |
May 27, 2009
Welcome to the Think Gleason blog. Be sure to check back often for updates.
Tags: welcome
Posted in Uncategorized |