Here is what is brewing in Whalley:
A Street Café
From political to practical
From a political platform: Politics have the ability to stir up heated debates. Political strategies typically strive to unify a group and divide the other. Set goals give direction and purpose to this group. All is good, right?
Well, I beg to differ. Granted, there are some good interventions touching the fringes of this demographic, such as affordable housing, safe injection sits, Narcan kits, etc. My question is this: are any of these initiatives addressing the actual root cause? Is it possible that these ideas are merely placating the reality and concerns to appease the public with the façade that action is taking place?
Contrast these perspectives with those actually living that life.
From a table at the Street Café: A café is a gathering place where conversations that matter brew. There is insidious magic happening within those conversations, creating the segue to engaging interactions that have the power to make a difference. It is this sharing and learning that has the ability to produce powerful actions and solutions.
During this year’s International Coaching Week, May 7 – 13th, I am following through on an inspiration I had years ago. I will be hosting a Street Café for the neighbours in Whalley; people commonly referred to as ‘homeless’ (despite the fact many are not homeless; sadly, their circumstances are typically more complicated than that).
This inspiration has been fueled during the decade of serving our friends on the streets of Whalley. This has been clouded by a growing frustration of little to no change. Despite creative initiatives that have been introduced, the root cause is not. Patterns are set. Habits repeat. Change is challenged.
My belief is that we need to hear what the people on the streets are saying. To learn from their perspective. I believe that bringing this this group together will give them an opportunity for meaningful, and necessary conversations that will pave the way to making a significant difference.
The purpose of the Street Café is clear: to give the people on the streets an opportunity to have meaningful conversations using a coach approach. As top-of-mind concerns are shared, then the conversation will move into viable solutions from a unique perspective: theirs!
There is much to learn from debates and conversations. Growing up we were reminded to consider the source. That adage stands true today. I’d like to add to contemplate the motivation behind the cause. These precious souls have a lot to contribute; they need to be heard.
May 12, 2018. Street Café for registered neighbours in Whalley!
