At the DR Show, we LOVE community-based solutions to problems. Why? Because when you take actions with people you know on issues that directly affect your neighborhood, your kids’ school, or your local hospital, (to name a few examples) things tend to get done.
Recently we talked to one inspiring woman – Ameena Matthews – who has devoted her life to ending violence in Chicago with a group called CeaseFire, which uses a public health model to end violence.
We asked our friends on Twitter and Facebook — What is a problem in your community that you’re passionate about? How has tackling that problem in a group helped to start solve it? Here were some of the great responses we got. (Congrats to both Barbara and Errin — we’ll be sending you a copy of The Interrupters and a copy of Greedy Bastards!)
Barbara from Charlotte (@bpitter2012) told us about how her neighbors used to support each other financially — pretty cool!
When I was young, we used to have a neighborhood group who would do events to help neighbors with their rent, utilities, and so forth, which we called “rent parties”. They would be outside events or cookouts where all the money raised would help pay somebody’s debt which was critical at that time. If we could start groups like that in neighborhoods now, we could save a lot of worry for some people and become “good” neighbors who are more protective of each other than critical. It will bring us closer together and could lead to other group ventures that can help keep everyone afloat and safe.
Errin from Louisville (@errinjohnson64)wrote in about a family that did something positive after losing their daughter, Rachel. As their website describes, “Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.” Here’s what Errin wrote:
Compassion and kindness are innate in all human beings. It is the key ingredient that creates good people who create good and do good things. It is a light that dims over time with our experiences in our life and how we respond to our own adversity. I hope to shed light on a individual spirit that has crossed state lines to reach other nations, to take up “Rachel’s Challenge.” Rachel was one of the victims of the Columbine shootings but Rachel was no victim, she inspired people to realize their better selves. Rachel’s theory became reality, the chain reaction is booming. I believe this is a major solution for a major world wide problem. Please see [her] essay that changed lives… I believe there is much that can be implemented with this solution, very creative ideas will flow from Rachel’s perspective.
For one great example of community-based problem solving, take a look at Ameena Matthews’ and Steve James’ recent interview with Ari Melber when he was guest hosting for Dylan.
Want to learn more about the documentary The Interrupters? Visit their website here, and their Interrupt Violence campaign here.