A Feast For Good

From http://worldwide.feastongood.com

Creating community is about shared values and relationships.

Relationships can be initiated by meeting people through gatherings, through introductions by friends and somewhat more superficially online through Twitter. Acquaintances can become so called "friends" through Facebook, which adds another layer of familiarity, to the degree that one is transparent and is not trying to project an idealized persona - Facebook is not the medium for meaningful dialogue. However, in my opinion, to become true friends requires small, face to face meetings, particularly having conversations over coffee or a meal. Doing something together helps reveal even more of true personality.

A Beloved Community is just getting going in Redding, CA, so it seems like a worthy short term goal to spend time first nurturing relationships before rushing to get concurrence on a vision or mission statement.

One suggestion is for people to participate inThe Feast Worldwide Dinner Party, such as we are doing in our home with some new friends on October 18, 2013. I suggest this primarily because the idea of The Feast For Good focuses on talking about solutions instead of talking about problems. They have three "challenge" tracks: Learning, Health and Veterans. Last year the challenge topics were: Data; Open Design; Health; Poverty; or Eco.

The Feast Worldwide is "about creating a global dialogue to discuss, imagine, and build a better future. It's about bringing together community and we're building tools to help."

Of secondary interest is the notion that others around the world are having similar conversations at the same date and time and there is some connection through sharing your thoughts on Twitter with hashtag #feast2013 and connecting with @feastongood.

A spin on The Feast For Good isThe Virtual Dinner Guest Project, introduced to me today on Facebook by friend Rachel Hatch. The idea is that "people from universities, NGO’s and media centers in two countries engaged in conversation from two dinner tables that have been connected by a virtual link." They are launching an IndieGogo (online fundraising) campaign on October 1, 2013.

What are you doing on October 18, 2013?

Community Alchemy

TEDxRedding presenter Andy Stoll, a media producer and social entrepreneur, is working to grow the grassroots entrepreneurial & creative community in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. He "believes in the power of stories and connections to influence people, inspire action and affect positive change."

His Model for Building An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem he refers to as Community Alchemy (a graphic is shown on the link.)

Shasta County could use some alchemy - that "power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way."

You can be part of that process. Come add your voice on October 2nd. As Andy puts it "tell a story and create conversations that share a positive vision, focusing on the opportunities of the future, not rehashing the past problems and limitations of the past."

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March for Peace and Unity

On Saturday, September 21, 2013 a group of interested citizens gathered to discuss specific actions that are appropriate for immediate action as A Beloved Community. 

They also marched to Redding, CA City Hall, made announcements and sang songs as part of a Global March for Peace and Unity organized by Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect (SCCAR).

Among the participants was a high school exchange student from Yemen who recounted an incidence of racism and profiling on September 19th at a gas station on Eureka Way near Shasta High. Members of A Beloved Community were moved to write letters to the owner of the business asking for an apology.

The next gatherings will be at Redding Public Library on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 PM and also on the following Thursdays at 1:30 PM, for those who cannot make the Wednesday evening meeting. That's Oct. 2 or 3 and Oct. 16 or 17, 2013 for your calendars.
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Nurturing A Beloved Community in Shasta County

On August 24, 2013, a gathering took place in Redding, CA, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. Dinner discussion was about how to take actions to make the various cities and towns in Shasta County A Beloved Community. Future gatherings will be at the Redding Public Library.

A Beloved Community is a grass-roots movement rather than a formal organization or institution. It's intent is to act as a bridge, bringing together many diverse voices in the community around the idea of the common good. It's vision will be expressed by its actions.

A Beloved Community is non-partisan and non-sectarian! Participants included members of diverse faith community traditions plus many people of good-will with no faith traditions at all. Open-minded listening, civility and respect are expected of all. Interrelatedness is a foundation.

Input about visions and actions was received from participants about the following Beloved Community themes:

• Interrelatedness
• Inclusivity
• Respect for All People
• Justice
• Compassion
• Love
• Non-violence
• Shared power
• Responsibility

If you would like to bring about A Beloved Community in Shasta County and to be updated about news and events, then...RSVP on Meetup by clicking here and Subscribe to our mailing list:

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