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Last month we held our Inspiring Connections (For Good) workshop with the Wagga 'hood, where we discussed the power of community and helped attendees answer questions about how they can inspire collective action and create inclusive communities to bring meaningful change.
Our co-founder Jo talked about the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion when bringing community change; discussing how action driven by anger and fear when it comes to the environment, can prevent positive change and create divisions within communities.
Thinking about what it means to be connected, some of the qualities suggested were, a community that looks out for each other, one that has varied and diverse organisations which still work together, and places which are resilient, inclusive, and resourceful.
Environmental Education Officer at City of Wagga Wagga, Alice Kent says of the Wagga community, “We have so many creative and motivated people here in the Riverina who want to make a difference. Whether it’s to encourage their workplace to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable alternative, convince their local café to offer a discount for people who bring in reusable cups, or get everyone on their street to plant natives in their front yard, there are so many ways we can work together to make a difference for our community."
The workshop also looked at ways to use design thinking models to build relationships, create meaningful bonds, and tackle challenges collaboratively. One of the key steps discussed was to reframe the problem and ask the right questions in order to better understand why communities are connected, and what works and what doesn't.
Empathy mapping is at the heart of understanding involvement and engagement; helping us consider why someone may participate and what might prevent or restrict participation. Attendees then had a chance to develop their own empathy map; common barriers to engagement included uncertainty, fear, and feeling overwhelmed by new experiences.
With this empathetic approach, Wagga locals delved into ways to design more inclusive community events by considering factors such as location, time and day, access, and how it is promoted. Unless we commit to reaching out to and being inclusive of every group, we're ultimately missing out on an opportunity to connect with passionate Good Doers who might have amazing ideas, skills, and influence.
“Often all that’s needed is one person to get it started. You might be that person, but just not know how to motivate people around you to make a change." Ms Kent said, so Good For the Hood is excited to see how this group of passionate attendees use their new skills and frameworks to create good in the Wagga 'hood!
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The GOOD News
Good For the Hood operates on the traditional lands of the Wallumadegal across the Eora and Darug Nations, where connection to community has been carefully nurtured for thousands of years.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Our mission is to empower Australian individuals and organisations to create positive environmental and social change in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We do this by providing resources, networks and tools for advocates which support their efforts toward a more sustainable and regenerative future.