“We are the Ones” is being presented by Lopez Community Land Trust at the community center on Saturday, March 29. For several years, LCLT has convened a community gathering that stimulates ideas for creating thriving community on Lopez. The Seed Library, the Grain CSA, and Grow a Row have been spawned during these events. According to Rhea Miller, assistant director of LCLT, “Within these challenging economic times, Lopezians need to know more about our mutual resources. In order to do that, we need to tap into our creativity together.”
Recently, Rhea Miller and the executive director Sandy Bishop attended the “Building Creative Communities” in Colquitt, Ga., and were privileged to attend that community’s performance by “Swamp Gravy.” According to Karen Johnson of Colquitt, “What makes this community different from other small rural communities in the U.S. is that magic ingredient—Creativity. Creative communities are different from traditional community and economic development models because creative communities rely on human potential, knowledge and capabilities as opposed to tangible goods and deliverable services. “ This rural community of 2200 people was dying, but turned itself around by engaging its creativity. They founded a community development corporation, renovated a historic inn, turned grain bins into affordable apartments, invented the Mayhaw (local berry) festival, told their own people’s stories on stage through the Swamp Gravy Institute, and portrayed their community’s stories in murals.
This year’s workshop is inspired in part by the community of Colquitt and will include multi-media events that engage participants to envision a more thriving and sustainable community. Organizers for this day draw their inspiration from theoretical physicist Mark Comings who said, “If we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change,” and Harold Thurman who said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs—ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world [community] needs is people who have come alive.” As Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
This event will be held Saturday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be free childcare for those who rsvp to LCLT. Soup and drinks will be provided. The cost of the event is $10. Further information can be obtained by calling 468-3723.
