To share ideas with others who desire to live in a more just and equitable world and explore how the principles of community organizing–listening and building relationships–can give us tools for speaking and acting and risk, in the words of John Lewis “getting into good trouble.”
Whenever we meet someone new, invariably we find ourselves asking the question, “So, what kind of work do you do?” It’s a natural inquiry that expresses a curiosity about the other person, helps us establish rapport and usually gives us a place to start building a relationship. Yet, in a subtle but very real way, that question of what someone does reveals who we tend to be as a people and how we view ourselves and others.
When we, the church, reach out to help others, we tend to follow traditional protocols–as if assistance is one size fits all. And why would we not? After all, all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to God’s purpose, right? (Romans 8:28)