THE ART OF COMMUNITY - Learning With Each Other And Discovering Our Passion!

Barb...When I think of stories about community, I always think of what our family and many others learned from our daughter. Erin was a young woman with Down syndrome and her life demonstrated the rich connections and relationships that result from an inclusive learning community. Among her passions was theatre and she met and celebrated with many friends through that love. It began at Westerville South High School and introduced her to Otterbein University and many wonderful and reciprocal relationships with other theatre lovers! Real friendship often comes from our shared interests and passions and not our shared abilities.

Facilitating Community

Kelley…Sometimes we are in situations that are stressful or intense and that can help a group come together in community. In my visual I wanted to represent the members of my methods class who have come together largely because of our instructor and especially because of an activity that she facilitated. We each shared stories about ourselves and then reflected back to each other what strengths we heard from those stories about each of us. It has helped to create a supportive learning community.

Some Things to Think About…
How do we create welcoming communities where each person can feel comfortable and supported?
Are we open to discovering the gifts in each person?
Do we see the glass as half full or half empty?

Reflecting and Sharing Stories

Steven…I love to travel, see new places and meet new people. I also value learning and that was handed down to me by my grandfather, a run-away slave. My neighborhood community back in Youngstown has a reunion every few years and a scholarship is offered to a college student in memory of my grandparents. We support each other. It is important to reflect on the past as we move forward to the future.

What have we discovered from our life journey so far?
What have we learned from our experiences and relationships?
Do we welcome and celebrate ALL diversity?

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.