I have a PhD in Adult and Continuing Education, a field with roots in what became the social work profession, so I should know something about bringing people of different backgrounds, generations, ethnic, and racial identities together in physical proximity and social interconnectedness.
That was the goal of the Settlement House Movement in the 1800s as the first women social workers like Jane Addams at Hull House in Chicago joined with recent immigrants to improve their living conditions. They assisted the new Americans in learning English and finding jobs, and pioneered such things as nursing services, camps, playgrounds, and kindergartens. Settlement houses also hosted activities that brought people together for fun –music, art, theater, and play.
True to my professional ancestral roots, for the past 25 years I’ve been organizing classes, groups, performances, and events and inviting people to participate. I haven’t had my own Settlement House so there are a lot of behaviors one has to do to make something happen.
1) Make arrangements with the venue and attend to all details (think Event Planner),
2) Get the word out to people in such a way that they understand what the event is and how they might benefit.
3) Show up with all needed supplies and equipment and trudge back home with it.
Potential participants must –
1) Register and sometimes pay a fee,
2) Clear their calendar of potential conflicts,
3) Arrange a baby sitter, or senior care companion,
4) Leave home using some mode of transportation,
5) Arrive at the correct location, and at the appointed time.
This has always been a dicey process, with so many gaps and potential opportunities for things to go wrong. But now-a-days – in most everyone’s crazy busy schedule there are few discretionary moments. The temptation looms large to just stay home, curl up with a good book, or binge watch Netflix specials.
I submit that lately, it seems even harder to produce a successful event. With so many methods to get the word out, Facebook, Event Brite, emails, and personal invitations, we found each worked for some one, which means we need to use them all. Some methods seem to encourage people to express interest but not commit to coming until the last minute. As an organizer I find it hard to not lose heart when, two days before an event we have two paid confirmed registrations.
But last week we had two successful events. Two very different events, a performance/presentation and a workshop on the topic of our new book Stillpoint, turned out beyond anyone’s expectations. Most all the attendees reported being moved, delighted, and appreciative of the opportunities we presented and the experiences we created together.
It matters who is in the room for live, in the moment events. Since we presenters had such a fabulous time, I’m sure we will keep organizing events and keep inviting people to join us in person because, just like in the community settlement houses of old, physical proximity and social interconnectedness inspire and enliven us as nothing being presented on a screen can ever do.
What have you noticed about getting yourself to a live performance, presentation, or workshop or sponsoring and organizing one?
Sheila
