Over the past two weeks, the air has been thick with excitement around some very intentional conversations here in Lorain. In partnership with Kent State University, the Lorain Historical Society has just finished hosting an eight part series of community discussions called the Lorain Charrettes. Rooted in positivity, the hope for these conversations is to inspire residents to brainstorm their personal impact here in Lorain.
Defined as an open-ended and collaborative series of grass-roots planning sessions, the Lorain Charrettes have focused on simplicity. Rather than an attempt to develop the next comprehensive city plan, the goal of the Charrettes was to first discuss our personal responsibility towards our community. The conversations hinged on 3 focus questions:
- What do you love about Lorain?
- Where do you see potential for improvement in Lorain?
- What will YOU do in the next 30 days to make Lorain a better place?
As we went around the table, I was floored realizing how many of our ideas were so attainable. As ideas began to pour out, neighbors were able to network, expand on one another’s thoughts, and validate similar concerns. The process was really beautiful to be a part of.
Sometimes when we think of community-wide transformation, we are frozen by the sensed magnitude of the task. We think that in order to make a change we have to come up with a complex strategy that will only unfold over a long period of time. While there is certainly value in strategic plans, I’ve learned over the past couple weeks that there is significant power in focused discussion and immediate action plans. Our community is compiled of amazing individuals with talents, gifts, and strengths. If we can collectively commit as individuals to applying these skills in an immediate time frame, I am convinced we will see movement here in Lorain.
So, will you join us? Whether you have served on staff, visited as a missionary, or live here year round- you each have the opportunity to play a significant role here in Lorain. What will YOU do in the next 30 days to make Lorain a better place? Maybe it’s committing to prayer, mowing your neighbor’s lawn, serving on staff for a summer, signing up for a summer mission trip – the options are endless. We would love to have you on board!
