BRIDGE BUILDING
Relationships of trust are the key to unlocking the door to a shared vision.
In a community as diverse as Silver Spring, bringing people together for positive change is not an easy task. Our catchword is “intentionality”: we must take the time to design and facilitate gatherings and programs that address the nuances of race, class, culture, and power dynamics. That means intentional time for building genuine relationships, raising awareness of power, and supporting diverse people in sharing power.
We build bridges and awareness in many different ways:
- Storytelling
- Active listening
- Formal and informal dialogues on identity and community issues
- Exploring personal biases and internalized oppression
- Exploring how race, class, and culture are personally experienced
- Analyzing power dynamics in interpersonal relationships and in community institutions
With our intensive training cohorts, we build power-sharing skills which emphasize collaboration, shared decision-making, techniques for including all voices, receiving others’ gifts, and developing structures that are accountable to all. As we guide action, we help groups define a shared vision of equity, develop concrete steps, follow through and take risks, and contribute to maintaining a supportive environment for all members.
When we can close the gaps that exist along lines of race, class, culture, and power, we can build a stronger community fabric that helps all people thrive.
Read about the specific practices we use in our organization to share power within.
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