Hi everyone! I’m Jessica, and I’m majoring in public health and double minoring in statistics and the environment. It’s been great meeting everyone this week. I’m currently working at Brightmoor Artisans Collective this summer. In terms of “community,” I think of a group of people who have a similar trait, whether that trait be a place of residence, some passion/interest, cultural in nature, etc.
I’m excited to do community work in Detroit because I really hope to become more involved in the work done on the local level and get to know people in the community. While classrooms are definitely very valuable learning experiences, I feel like getting out and working in a nonprofit on issues that I care about is such a uniquely important and incredible experience.
For the work I’m doing, a previous skill that I have is my ability to research and organize data. It’s something that I’ve done before in classes and in my research experiences, and I’m glad I get to continue developing my skills in this area. At the same time, I’d really like to further polish my skills in networking and communicating with local community organizations, along with learning how to effectively carry out a community project. This is my first time working on a project related to establishing farmsteads for BIPOC farmers in Brightmoor that will impact a whole neighborhood. I’m learning about the importance of not rushing the stages of this project, getting to know more about the neighborhood, and incorporating feedback from residents and other organizations. By the end of the DCERP program, getting to make significant progress on this project and (most likely) hear about the perspectives from community members would be amazing.
Hi Jessica! It has been nice to get to know you over the past couple of days! I am also excited to get to know Detroit and learn the experiences and perspectives of the community. I would love to hear more about your community project in the coming weeks!
Hi Jessica!! I loved reading your post and hearing a bit about your project with Brightmoor! I am also excited to transition away from the classroom setting this summer and get started on community-based work at a non-profit. It always is one thing to learn about issues related to communities like the ones in Detroit and another to live in the community, hear from residents about their first-hand experiences, and work on these issues. I have also been learning the importance of not trying to rush the stages of my project and I keep reminding myself that it is only the first week and I need to work within the needs and schedule of my organization. I can’t wait to hear more about your organization and project, it seems like such an interesting topic!