The Art of Community - Belonging and Participating

Jane…I feel grounded and surrounded by love in my Westerville and Otterbein College community. I graduated 60 years ago and have lived here ever since. Belonging, participating, and contributing to this college community continues to enrich my life.

Some Things to Think About…
What makes you feel welcomed?
How do you welcome others?
Do you accept the hospitality of others when it is offered to you?
How do you participate?

The Art of Community, "Offering hospitality…"

Dana…When I think of community I think of eating together! I think of welcoming guests and enjoying each other’s company. I think of family and friends and not forgetting the importance of our relationships.

Some Things to Think About…
⇒ What makes you feel welcomed?
⇒ How do you welcome others?
⇒ How do you accept the hospitality of others when it is offered to you?

Connecting (from the Art of Community collage)

Kat…I found community in a sorority – something that is not always thought of as inclusive and welcoming to all. Our small, local sorority welcomes and celebrates diversity. We are free-spirited yet connected in our support of one another and women’s issues.

Remember a time in your life when you felt most engaged,most included, most welcomed in your community. Create a poem, image, or story that resonates with your experiences.

Listening and figuring out how to include everyone...

Petie…Thirty three years ago I was teaching theatre in high school and directing a Children’s Theatre production which the students would perform for various elementary schools. One of the students involved had autism. We all had to figure out how to ensure his active participation. Another student really modeled how to be open to his differences and respect his involvement. We structured the performance much differently than we would have without him. It was a wonderful learning experience for all us. We all were stars!

Remember a time in your life when you felt most engaged, most included, most welcomed in your community. Create a poem, image, or story that resonates with your experiences.

Another Story - Acting on Diversity

Jordan…I’m a little more politically minded as part of the DIY (Do It Yourself) scene in Columbus. We try not to rely on corporations and focus on community activities like pot luck dinners and supporting musicians traveling through town. It is important to have a common vision, but I also feel that we each need to be an independent thinker and share our individual uniqueness to create a richly diverse community. I disagree that “patience pays off.” I think there must be a sense if urgency and that “action pays off.”

Remember a time in your life when you felt most engaged, most included, most welcomed in your community. Please share that by creating a poem, image, or story that resonates with your experiences.

A Story from the Art of Community Collage - Love and Togetherness

Lois…The sense of community is extremely important to me. As I was picking the pictures and objects to use I thought about the things that I love about my life, including friends, family, books,animals, and music. The pictures I chose represent to me togetherness, love, family, fun, laughter, and adventure - all things I feel are important in a vibrant community.

Remember a time in your life when you felt most engaged, most included, most welcomed in your community. Please share that by creating a poem, image, or story that resonates with your experiences.

Singing together in community!

"I'll sing and joyful be, and through eternity, I'll sing on, I'll sing on!"



What Wondrous Love Is This