Peter Block's Community
COMMUNITY (Peter Block)
Something about Peter Block's vision for how people should be sparks memories of when I felt alone, isolated, out of place and someone invited me to join in with them. Those moments of belonging conjured up some of the most powerful emotions that one can feel. That is why what he outlines as a structure for how we live is so profound. The fact that it does not take many resources to structure our communities this way is also compelling. If only we could all feel this way!
As I worked through the book, the themes of hospitality, invitation, and relationships kept coming up. As a leader in a school district that has so many ties to the community, in so many different ways, these ideas are so helpful in framing relationships that will only produce positive outcomes. His idea of creating "social capital" struck me as our district gets closer and closer to a referendum vote this fall. It has truly been a community effort to educate, problem solve, educate some more, and fine-tune what it is that our community wants and what are community is willing to afford.
My question is a common one: how does an organization move from the punitive-minded, traditional structure to an "authentic community?"
Something about Peter Block's vision for how people should be sparks memories of when I felt alone, isolated, out of place and someone invited me to join in with them. Those moments of belonging conjured up some of the most powerful emotions that one can feel. That is why what he outlines as a structure for how we live is so profound. The fact that it does not take many resources to structure our communities this way is also compelling. If only we could all feel this way!
As I worked through the book, the themes of hospitality, invitation, and relationships kept coming up. As a leader in a school district that has so many ties to the community, in so many different ways, these ideas are so helpful in framing relationships that will only produce positive outcomes. His idea of creating "social capital" struck me as our district gets closer and closer to a referendum vote this fall. It has truly been a community effort to educate, problem solve, educate some more, and fine-tune what it is that our community wants and what are community is willing to afford.
My question is a common one: how does an organization move from the punitive-minded, traditional structure to an "authentic community?"
It sounds like an exciting time as you go to referendum this fall! This is a time when the establishment of social capital in the community comes into play . It sounds like you have gone through the steps of educate, problem solve, and then re-visit. Best of luck as you get closer to your date!
ReplyDeleteMatt, I will give my opinion on answering your question at the end of your blog. With strong leadership an organization can move from the traditional "this has always worked" mind-set to one that is proactive rather than reactive. It may take time, and may mean that some in leadership positions move on, but with a strong leader who is also a servant leader others will begin to follow their objectives.
ReplyDeleteI echo your theme of gleaning the themes of hospitality, invitation, and relationships. I also ask the same question regarding the authentic community versus the punitive community. I lived such a transformation in a previous district of employment. My take on the situation was that it took an extremely dynamic individual that was willing to do things way off the chart in order to make inroads into the most difficult of community members that won them over. He met them on their terms and literally on their court. It's a story worth telling and one that has helped define me as an administrator. The transformation continues to date but at a slower pace than it did when the gloves came off.
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