Inclusivity and Gained Wisdom
Communities are like living, breathing networks, fueled by the diverse perspectives and experiences of their members. Yet, inclusivity often slips through the cracks as we overlook voices around our community. My favorite voice to consult? The wise old soul in the heart of downtown – their stories hold a wealth of wisdom, yet we often forget to tap into these reservoirs of knowledge. We often want to dismiss them because we want something “fresh” or “new”. And they often feel dismissed and obsolete.
If you work in community development, you know exactly who I'm referring to: they own an old business or building in town, have worked in the community for most of their life, their kids went to school here, and they have served on almost every board in town over the last 70 years.
Last week, I wrote about Appreciative Inquiry and using it in your community toolkit for stronger economic development. I mentioned gathering groups and using a strengths based approach. If you didn't read that one, AI focuses on strengths and potentials, unlike traditional problem-solving methods fixated on shortcomings. It’s all about asking the right questions: What strengths define our community? Whose stories and experiences enrich our collective tapestry? How can we ensure that everyone, including the seasoned elders, feels valued and heard?
At its base level, Appreciative Inquiry is about fostering positive conversations and dialogue. It’s a shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s working well, and how can we build on that?” Every voice matters, and AI creates spaces where everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, religion or socio-economic background, feels like a valued contributor.
Picture a community gathering infused with Appreciative Inquiry. Instead of dwelling on challenges, the conversation blossoms around successes, hidden talents, and shared values. The old business shop owner in the downtown becomes more than a bystander… but a cherished storyteller, weaving narratives that connect generations and inspire action.
More than that, AI isn’t just about talk; it’s a catalyst for meaningful change. By amplifying strengths and leveraging diverse perspectives, communities can embark on projects that uplift everyone. The old wise soul might volunteer to become a mentor, passing down insights to the next generation or leading initiatives rooted in years of experience. And where there's one wise soul, there's more. With the grassroots effort of that one mentorship, the fellow Lions Club members, Chamber members, Museum Board, etc can all begin mentoring together...connecting with our students and young residents who could advance with positive influence, mentorship, connections, and collaboration. Think of the power behind generations collaborating in that way…years of experience and connections partnered to fresh new ideas and unbridled excitement.
Implementing some appreciative inquiry strategies in your community can bridge gaps and celebrate the diversity you have. It’s a reminder that inclusivity goes beyond representation; it’s about genuine engagement and respect for each person’s unique journey. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let’s embrace the wisdom that surrounds us, nurturing communities where everyone feels valued and empowered to shape a brighter future together.
This one is written in memory of my community's "old wise soul", Jim Caldwell. Jim owned an insurance agency in the downtown and, even at 85 years old, could be seen sitting in a camping chair outside his storefront, saying hi to everyone who went by. We need more "Jim's" in the world. And we need to remember to ask the "Jim's" of the world what they think...their answers may surprise us.
