Reply To: Exercise 3: 5 Close Contacts
Addendum:
Revised projects
1. Find one local group/person/business with whom to partner. With them, develop a strategy for targeting an area and types of businesses or organizations to set up a “area stewardship program” .
2. Create a clear identity of “I Merida” in cooperation with local sponsors. Approach local government for support and participation through people already affiliated with them to plan a city wide event.
3. Isn’t really different than the above.
4. Create a stewardship program in one local school to develop pride, knowledge, and skills in how to care for our surroundings.
5. This isn’t really a separate idea but one that should be integrated into others as above.
Reflections:
I really enjoyed this week’s task, largely because I love having a reason to talk to people. I chose first local people to talk with who are more connected to Mexican culture and views. I spoke to one gringo couple, one Cuban gay couple and 3 Mexican couples/families. I thought I understood the assignment from the discussion in class and proceeded without reading the details in the book first, so in that regard, I didn’t follow the directions. My first conversations included things like “that’s a great idea” responses and less consciousness about keeping the conversation focused. I think that worked originally because in the Mexican culture, you don’t “cut to the chase” (that’s considered rude) but chat a bit first and inquire about everyone’s well-being. I realize in reflection that with my gringo friends I started more immediately into the conversation. In my final conversation I consciously didn’t give any positive or negative responses to ideas, just acknowledgment and clarification. It worked. I actually stayed more focused in listening and making sure I understood their ideas.
As the feedback from others who have taken the class has reported, people do like to give advice. There was absolutely no issue with people sharing their ideas. Everyone I spoke to had interest in the topic, and all had very personal suggestions and desires to “help”. This is a little concerning to me as I won’t be able to use everything that was shared. I clarified this in each conversation but I’m still wondering how it will fall out when I move forward without using the suggestions that were given. I will wait and see. All offered to be a part of whatever I choose to do.
Project chosen to move forward:
I have decided to move forward with a project in a school to start a program/club focused on community pride and stewardship.