#throwbackthursday
On August 7, 2023, I was invited to the #INDEPENDENCE flag raising ceremony put on by the #HabourViewCitizensAssociation. One would think that i would be invited in some capacity relative to my expertise in applied social research and community development; instead, I was invited to lead the gathering into a time of #praiseandworship.
However, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to ask a few questions to see if this will be one of the communities I can study for a project on the necessity of #localparticipation for #sustainable community renewal.
I was impressed by:
1. The mobilization efforts (evident in the sponsorship and turn out with audience including political representatives), indicative of strong social capital.
2. The level of participation (from the youth to the elderly and good gender representation), indicative of a strong sense of social cohesion.
The association has a clear vision of building stronger social ties for unity, usuing sports for social re-engineering. It is interesting to note that sport is an asset to Harbour View. It is known for football (Stars from the East). The idea of developing communities from an asset based perspective still remains a more effective way of empowering communities to be key stakeholders in their own transformation.
In 2022, 18 youth from the Harbour View region were lost to gun violence. The association is committed to targeting the youth through sport and on the day of the flag raising were also given a letter from the Mayor of Kingston, turn over superintendence of the Harbour View Community Center to the citizens association.
Harbour View was built in 1960 as a community where people came to live because they could afford it (meritocratic) and because of political construction. Their social cohesion transcends political belongings.
#throwbackthursday#jamaica#jamaicaindependence2023#flagraising#harbourview#community#transformation#renewal#socialactivism#socialjustice#communityrenewal#givingback
Change Leadership-Administrative Management-Mentor Training-Engagement Specialist. I excel in business, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Dedicated to fostering success and growth through innovation.
🌟 Happy Fifth Day of Kwanzaa! 🌟
Today, we celebrate Nia, the principle of purpose. As we reflect on our individual aspirations, let's also consider how our goals can positively impact our community. Nia encourages us to look within, not only to set personal goals but also to choose goals that contribute to the betterment of the collective.
In the spirit of Nia, let's align our ambitions with a higher purpose—fostering community growth, empowerment, and unity. Whether personally or professionally, let our actions be driven by a sense of purpose that extends beyond ourselves.
As we set intentions for the coming year, may the principle of Nia inspire us to make meaningful contributions to our communities and create a positive ripple effect that resonates with others.
#Kwanzaa#Nia#Purpose#CommunityImpact#neverstoplearning#Reflection#Goals 🌟
7 things I would have NEVER learned if I didn't volunteer at community events:
1. Community building across a diverse population.
2. Empathy and understanding of my town's values.
3. Cross age collaboration and communication skills.
4. Volunteer leadership, leading a team working for free.
5. Stage management skills, am managing rehearsals and stage slots.
6. To calmly follow procedure even in the scary situation of a lost child alert.
7. Compassion for all event attendees, not just corporate meeting attendees.
Every Bank Holiday weekend I dedicate my time to Aylesbury Town Council's Live in the Park. A free, weekend long festival with 15,000+ attendees.
Heavily encourage everyone to boost their life experience by getting involved with local events.
#Authenticity#Volunteering#Skills
Community Development @ Proud 2 Play | Special Projects & Activations Manager @ Racing Pride | President/Founder of Australian LGBT Ice Hockey | Passionate about empowering communities through sports & community programs
It was great to chat with Seven Network news about the latest developments in the AFL - Australian Football League. It's great to see the AFL take a stronger stance towards players at the highest level of the sport and back it up with a commitment to greater education opportunities (shout out to the work Pride in Sport Australia has done with the AFL). Although the level of dedication to this increased education remains to be seen, it's a solid step in the right direction.
There has been increased pressure on the AFL in recent years to do a major gesture such as a pride round - this is only part of the bigger picture. Pride Rounds and Games in my personal opinion, should be rewards for work that has been undertaken in the inclusion space. We need the AFL to continue taking a stance against all discrimination and to use it's influence to empower not only top tier clubs, but to empower community level and junior football inclusion initiatives all year round - not just in single events.
We need education for boards, committees, players, coaches, volunteers. We need to provide people with the confidence and know how to back strong inclusion policies. From there, we need pride rounds and pride games to show our community that they are not only welcomed, but celebrated and supported. It's all part of a big puzzle, and although the AFL has lagged behind, it's great to see them making more of an effort to put the pieces together.
I'd love to see the impact the AFL would have on Australian sport as a whole if it threw all it's influence and power behind tackling LGBTIQ+ discrimination.
(This wasn't intended to be an advertisement - but if you're a club, AFL or otherwise, in Australia who wants to make change for LGBTIQ+ people, check out our Proud 2 Play Rainbow Ready Clubs program here: https://lnkd.in/e3zkMed5
It's an industry leading framework aimed at supplying community level clubs with education, policy advice and the development of a strategy and action plan that embeds inclusion at all levels of your club.)
Our Community Development Officer, Kade Matthews, will be chatting to Channel 7 news tonight at 6PM about the impact homophobia can have in sport in light of the recent suspension of Wil Powell by the AFL.
At Proud 2 Play, we believe strong leadership, coupled with education and policy, is the only way to create a culture of respect for players of all identities. The action taken by the AFL shows that homophobic language will not be tolerated at the highest level of the sport - but further work must be done to build a culture of respect at all levels of the sport through education and policy development.