Community Organising in Easton

My graduation story is my definition of ORGANISING

O is for Original

Since beginning my training in October 2011 I've listened to over 350 people in Easton and Lawrence Hill. I've listened to a huge variety of young people, grannies, single parents, migrants (both newly arrived and long term settlers), angry people, sad people, enthusiastic people, alienated people and people who now trust me enough to get involved in improving their community

I've helped residents use RSLM to organise a variety of orginal projects including free Youth Activities to combat anti social behaviour, open access guitar workshops to build community cohesion and build community 'glue' and kids film screenings to encourage parents and carers to share a common place to enjoy each others company and plan what actions they want to improve their community

R is for Rejuvenate

As well as initiate new projects I've used RSLM to rejuvenate existing activities which needed a fresh set of ideas to kick start them again, or to inspire a different approach from the usual consulations

A local park group was training in door knocking and used RSLM questions to build support and address concerns over green spaces

A self managed playgroup struggling to attract users used listening processes to identify what they needed to do to address this, and also to help build a sustainable structure for the group

A Community Orchard used RSLM to re-engage local residents who had become mistrustful of the scheme

G is for Galvanise

One of my first VCO's became inspired after a follow up contact galvanised her to take action, resulting in a successful project involving residents volunteering their time to teach local youth martial arts,craft, cooking and leading to a successful funding bid to organise graffiti sessions exploring loves and concerns

Local mums in estate, after trying unsuccessfully to take action to improve their park, who were let down by previous promises, are now taking moving again, collecting signatures and talking with their neighbours over what they would like to see happening

A is for Animate

Over time I have found different ways to animate people to take action. Ayan, a local Somali mum helps me translate RSLM into Somali so I can communicate with residents who can't speak english

Mark, a VCO leading the a guitar skill share project, wants to combat social exclusion. Here he is with his neighbour Reg, who's lived in the same block for over 30 years. They hadn't met before Reg dropped into one of the sessions.

Samsam who helped organise kids films screenings for residents of a local towerblock commented ' This is the first time we have sat and just chatted. Normally we just say 'hi' in the lift or corridors'

N is for Networks

Illona, a polish mum listened to others and helped contribute to the networks by translating publicity for a local sports day to have her say on 'diversity' and 'segregation' in Easton

Building on existing networks by linking them with residents who might want them. I listened to Fidelis, a young single dad who recently moved in to the area. He loves cooking, but his biggest concern was 'being isolated'. I was able to show him the local playgoup. I saw him on the street a couple weeks later and he was really pleased. Now I am hoping he will cook at an upcoming Community Fun Day :-)

I've used online networks include blogs, Facebook and Twitter but not enough of the residents I've listened to use it. I try and use the blogs to reflect on what residents are saying and to analyse the issues. So far I am talking to myself, but time will tell...

I is for Innovate

Now I am grounded in the basics of RSLM I'm confident about using my other experience as a community artist to innovate within the process

Designing artworks and newsletters to help residents reflect on their experiences

As part of my Pgcert I will be using audio recording as a way for residents to reflect and take action in their communities

S is for Silent Voices

I is for Integrate

Moving into the last part of my traineeship I want to explore using my experience as a Citizen Advice Bureau worker within community organising

Organising debt, employment and welfare sessions with residents to resolve immediate crisis which can prevent people moving into action and to build empowerment

N is for Neighbours

Neighbours are the most common love about an area, and also mentioned A LOT under concerns

One of the biggest blocks to action is mistrust between neighbours, conflicts that have not been resolved over time

Organisers should make full use of mediator services in their area, or learn the skills needed

G is for Graduation and Beyond

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