Transforming Communities

Be They Families, Neighborhoods, Towns or Cities.... or Countries

  Community change consultant Peter Block states the case that

“The essential challenge is to transform the isolation and self-interest within our communities into connectedness and caring for the whole.”

Peter Block's website name should tell you all you need to know about what he represents. His website is titled ABUNDANT COMMUNITY: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods.  

I first came across Peter in an article about building community in international schools. I loved what he had to say, including the above stand-out quote. 

Ah, Fall Equinox, Bittersweet Friend

The last day of 2010 summer washed away here at Walker Creek. Rain, rain and - more rain. Our monthly Community Meeting rolls around at 7pm. We each trod in, heavy sodden steps - our boots, our souls. The weight of a thousand wet dark nights presses down on us. Warmed by the fire, the air lightens slightly after sharing a hot pan of cashew ginger fried rice and a bowl of sunshine-y organic peaches.

Fall is a time when the land at Walker Creek shines brightest - the greens at their most vibrant, the air at its most fresh. The dying copper salmon are on their return.

And still - we leave behind us a sweet summer - two celebrations on the land: Joe & Miyabi's wedding celebration, and the 2nd Annual 4th of July Wingding at the Sunshine House; neighboring Majawood's music fest; and each of us making more music and roadtrips and outdoor adventures -- Meltdown, Country Faire, Burning Man. Oregon. Idaho. Montana.

Adieu, long bright days of summer.

Hello, darkness, our old friend.