Hey Collin,
Your first week was pretty weird – but you already knew that.
You had your first day off on Monday, a huge event at the Packard Plant Tuesday, and meetings all over the city on Thursday. Each day brought something new, and each new experience molded your expectations and goals going forward.
You’re from Detroit and you plan on staying in the city for the rest of your life. All you really want to do is give everything you can to your work with Detroit Future City, and organization as dedicated to the city’s future as you are. As you started to work, you learned about the challenges of an organization attempting to navigate community groups, residents, and the city to implement its framework.
What you hope to accomplish for Detroit Future City is exactly what you hope to do for the city. I know you want to be an intermediary among the community (residents and community groups alike), city government, and Detroit Future City. You feel strongly about moving the city forward and the value of a shared vision of the future, but you know the community should always have the loudest voice.
Hopefully you’re given the chance to see that through. In my humble opinion, your passion for policy and community outreach would go nicely with your love of Detroit. You can help narrow the gap between the community’s wants and needs and the efforts of DFC to implement the framework. And, maybe, you can learn something along the way. Just always remember your goal. Helping DFC and the people of Detroit should and hopefully will come first.
Also, get yourself a new bike seat. I’ll thank me later.
It is great to hear this experience from the perspective of a native. Your passion for the city is apparent and I know that Detroit Future City is lucky to have a knowledgeable and passionate addition to their staff. Having an organization that aligns with your values and passions has energized me, and I hope you are also having an energizing experience.
This was a slightly above average post. But I still enjoyed reading it. Wow you have some insight, and I bet you’re going to change the city for the better.
Good luck in your work with Detroit Future City and keep us updated! It’s a great feeling to be working towards a cause you’re very passionate about.