Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Notes from workshop with Daniel Banks 4/24

Entering a community:

Questions to consider:
  • How do you prepare to enter a community?
  • How do you begin to forge meaningful, insightful relationships in the community? How long will that take?
  • How do you promote an atmosphere of equality and inclusion?
  • How do you establish a pace that allows for organic progress?
  • How long do you need to participate in the community before beginning your work?
Things to remember:
  • Do your research, but be open to learning more from people than books once you arrive.
  • You're not the expert! No matter how much research you do, community members will always have something to teach you.
  • Find a cultural translator/informant/confidante/liason. You'll need someone to consult on cultural differences and miscommunications.
  • Seek out/listen to multiple perspectives within the community. They may contradict, but they make up a single whole and should always be considered.
  • Go with the flow! Let things be organic and flexible.
  • This is difficult but important work- Stay positive!

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