Communications Team Blog Post : May 8
Hello, Extreme Community Makeover (ECM) friends! So good to be back after my hiatus from last year. Time spent with volunteers and residents did not fail to raise my vibe and renew my faith in the good of humanity. Many of us have taken a “forced” hiatus from spending time with people outside our homes and perhaps it is taking a toll on us. It certainly has for me. However, it looks like people have had enough and are bouncing back, coming out of their homes to bask in the sun, get active, play and be in community. Speaking of which; what is community? A common definition is - a group of people all living in the same place. However, ECM challenges you to find the deeper meaning of community. Take a read and see what I found!
What is community?
For sure ECM is about cleaning up neighborhoods, but we embody the more meaningful definition of community; ‘we are here to have fellowship with others who share common interests, attitudes, and goals.’ We strive to find the common thread amongst volunteers and residents, to dig for the treasure of a story that lies in each human, to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary person, to plant seeds of compassion, critical thinking and encourage right action.
My sub-question to ‘what is community” for our residents and volunteers was; “what challenge did you face this past year and how did you turn it into an opportunity/silver lining/make lemonade! My first conversation was with Matt, P.E. teacher and coach for Regis Boy’s Baseball team. Matt proudly announced that the team had won the 2019 championship. He said, they were all disappointed that they would not get the opportunity to bring their winning energy and attitude to the 2020 season. Matt had to provide support and words of encouragement to his students through an on-line presence; it wasn’t fun, but he did learn how resilient his students are, and easy to adapt. Throughout the year they all gained a better appreciation for being able to go to school and work in person. They were more grateful for each other’s friendship and team comradery.
ECM’s Extreme Teams Survey Team member, Rosio, said, she tends to be a “glass is overflowing” kind of person, but the forced quiet time helped her to become more aware of other people and social issues. She also found that she now connects more with her friends and family…even if it is through Zoom.
Being authentic and compassionate
Local resident, Vicky caught all’s attention with her generous spirit. I sat with her as she shared travel stories that she took with her late husband. I loved the smile that appeared as she recounted their adventures; saying this was our favorite place or “we went to Pueblo every year for the Chili Festival.” Eyes became watery as Vicky told me how she wanted to continue traveling, but was having a hard time doing so, without her husband. She did manage a trip to Mesquite, AZ last year with her son, and they are hoping to travel to Santa Fe, NM, soon. This woman’s vulnerability is a beautiful example of how we can all be more authentic and compassionate with each other. Thank you, Vicky.
My favorite conversation was with Regis students and baseball players Dawson and Blake. I have to say this; Parents, what a fine job you have done with your sons!! These teenagers gave me their undivided attention and came from a place of authenticity, vulnerability, respect, and adult awareness. I don’t mean to insinuate that children and teenagers aren’t aware, but I think it is fair to say many are more focused on youthful thoughts. When I asked Dawson the question he said, he became more aware of the homelessness. He participated in a project to put together bags to pass out to the homeless. He even gave me suggestions on where to go and what to get for the bags as I suggested it was a great idea. I did not miss the deep far away look in his eyes, and the care in his voice as he shared his thoughts. His friend, Blake was no less impressive. Blake said this was his senior year and he mentioned how he hopes he gets to experience many of the traditions that most seniors get to have their last year; as he saw how many of his classmates did not get those experiences last year. He has missed his friends and social life during the lockdown, so to stay social he got a job. He found one as a front desk person at South Suburban Recreation Center. He loves his job because it gives him the opportunity to be around other people playing sports or being active or just to say hello. Again, I felt a bond with Blake, as I saw him hold back his emotion…for sure feeling all the emotions of loss and gratitude. Both boys agreed with me when I commented how they are a part of something bigger and potentially greater happening in our world right now. I sensed we all just had this knowing.
For sure some universal energy of good is working through all of us. As often heard said, we can all take the opportunity to make lemonade from lemons, as these folks have demonstrated. As I began my article, “being renewed in faith for humanity…the human race; we are more than a race of beings we are benevolent beings that are compassionate, that feel, that shares brotherly and sisterly love for one another, who care, who are kind, empathic, generous, and selfless….this is the heart of Extreme Community Makeover and what we strive to bring to every community.
- Lisa, Communications Team