Summary of Participants Reflections from John McKnight's Presentation on 10/1/07

BUILDING COMMUNITIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT (Post 3 of 5)

What seems most important among all the stories I heard...

• the depth of probing and reflection that allowed people to find the gifts of “those on the edge”
• the embracing of individuals that without sharing their gifts would not have build relationships
• focusing on the gifts
• the importance of recognizing and connecting peoples gifts to bring about community transformation
• need to focus on gifts and find “connectors”
• finding the gifts – the work behind that
• that I overlooked people who I marginalized through my own perceptions
• need for others to appreciate benefits to themselves by accepting gifts from others who were overlooked before
• the examples of success stories in Chicago – real people we all know
• the stories confirmed what I have experienced throughout life – only we need to know more
• New Prospect Baptist Soup Kitchen story – the pastor’s story about God’s message to him
• You can uncover tremendous resources in your community by focusing on the part of the glass that is full
• Probably a need to run counter to or undo training/education that made me aware of deficit, problems, etc.
• The people who get “connected” don’t have to always have an agenda
• “Blessed are those who give…” – to best serve a group is to give them power to serve others – share their gifts
• the transformation of a community through the welcoming of the gifts of everyone
• the good & bad affects of Eddie’s job to co-workers
• being connected and all having opportunities to share gifts
• don’t think in terms of deficits
• the impact that committed individuals can make
• Being part of a community is more than being “served” or having 1:1 paid staff time to go in the community for activities AND it is possible one person at a time.
• the community connections
• keeping in mind in giving service to also offer/ask what they would like to offer, what they would like to do with the community
• how we can be empowered by looking at a person’s asset
• the importance of making the connections and the importance of finding the gifts of people
• who have been deemed less than – especially the damage of school systems in setting up those labels
• I can do this! It begins with my positive attitude about accomplishing this.
• that ALL of us, everyone – period – have gifts to offer others
• SIMPLICITY – seems so simple
• reach out to others and welcome all
• the need for civilian involvement in connection