Week 6

Something I want to reflect on that I have noticed since coming to Detroit is the sheer number and dedication of community leaders and groups working tirelessly to make their respective communities, neighborhoods, and city stronger. I have attended many meetings with individuals representing different stakeholders in the community who all have a passion for the good work they are doing, and who share a vision of a brighter future for their families and loved ones. It is sad to me when I hear some of these great people talk so poorly of the history of the city; how deep the mistrust and feeling of abandonment by those in power runs in some communities. But it is hopeful as I see their resilience and dedication to fixing what they can. Fighting the truly good fight. It is stuff like that which inspires me and has taught me the necessity and importance of community engagement and involvement when working towards a common goal. The insight is invaluable to the whole experience. For example, one of the YES projects EcoWorks is working on is developing a park in a vacant lot next to a high school, and was started because some students from the high school were tired of looking at the worn down vacancy. It shows local leadership can be from anywhere and can lead to real, tangible progress.