Polemics are Not Persuasive

Wade Davis, National Geographic Explorer
"So what we are trying to do at the National Geographic, finally -- is we believe that politicians will never accomplish anything. We think that polemics are not persuasive but we think that storytelling can change with world. And so we are probably the best storytelling institution in the world. We get 35 million hits on our website every month, 156 nations carry our television channel, our magazines are read by millions.

And what we’re doing is a series of journeys to the ethnosphere where we’re going to take our audience to places of such cultural wonder that they cannot help but come away dazzled by what they have seen. And hopefully therefore embrace gradually, one by one, the central revelation of anthropology -- that this world deserves to exist in a diverse way. That we can find a way to live in a truly multicultural pluralistic world, where all of the wisdom of all peoples can contribute to our collective wellbeing."

Wades' TED Talk filled with stunning photos and stories helped me frame not only the importance of being welcoming and inclusive, and respectful of indigenous ways –- but MOREOVER, the essential need to intentionally meld art and social change as we tackle local issues.

Wade Davis: Cultures at the far edge of the world

My Trip to Emergency...

My jaw screamingly throbbed. Perhaps a horrid inner ear infection? The diagnosis was TMJ from clenching. Ridiculous but true, the source was passionately thinking about melding art and social change! Yes, I was on fire for togetherness.

But it wasn't enough... I was keenly aware that I needed more "me's" to substantially effect community change through collaboration. Heeding Paul Born's advice to strategically seek multi-sector representation, I secured funding to send 8 key “door openers” to Tamaracks 2013 gathering aptly called Accelerating Impact. We needed a foundation of understanding, a common language, and shared enthusiasm to forge forward TOGETHER.

Relationships deepened and daily dialogue around integrating the wisdom on the home front was fast and furious. Post-event, when queried as to their favorite learning, one attendee responded "It changed my way of thinking." I must admit, a broad TMJ provoking grin burst forth across my face!

Everybody was hungry for more -- together.

Born, P. (2012). Community conversations: Mobilizing the ideas, skills and passion of community organizations, governments, businesses and people. Toronto: BPS Books.
Red Deer & District FCSS - Agency Capacity Building Grant

The Breakfast Connect

Over a cup of coffee? Yes, the classic beginning. Two gentlemen, one lady and a passion for social change. Derek was overflowing with enthusiasm about his new paycheck hinged on 1000 more cups of coffee. John exposed his exquisite photos of people's souls. I thought they would make nice pairing, particularly for the next 100 years. While our time together was merely 5 days, the 2012 Tamarack gathering fundamentally shifted my approach to community development. Collective Impact... Can we TOGETHER truly create a better tomorrow?

Derek Alton - 1000 Conversations to Shape Our Future
John Beebe Photography - www.johnbeebe.ca