BBC
WORKS!
BBC
Communications, Inc.
|
BBC
WORKS!
|
Site last updated: 10/01/2000
HOME-BBC
CHECK OUT OUR RECENT ADDITIONS!
BBC Communications Website is in constant evolution, check back with us soon.
BBCWorks Website creator: Michael G. Van Antwerpen
|
CRANIAL CRUMBS Wonder If.... "Uproot" A New Paradigm Proposal for Enabling Community Context The eight square block urban community has a large percentage of people who have moved from Appalachian. While having a common geographical origin, they have been unable (unwilling) to forge any sense of community. The neighborhood is noted for unemployment (underemployment) and wide spread health, education, and social service needs. Challenge The culture of this community's origin is rich in folk arts, music and storytelling. Yet, the urbanization of these folks has undercut their self respect and sense of kinship with each other. How can they be connected to each other and enabled to contribute their uniqueness to the larger community? The Promise The diversity of ethnic origins has been utilized to great benefit of the whole city in Chicago, Boston, and New York. For instance, the food fair in Detroit brings people into an open air series of events that creates a climate of appreciation for the wonderful contributions our diverse roots bring to the whole community. The Proposal It is proposed that the city and local resources be focused to create a celebration of Appalachian culture. The UPROOT campaign will be built around a new communication system for the neighborhood itself. A key communication element will be the use of an automated phone system that will call each phone in the geographical community twice a week. The computer executed system will be promoted as a "country" styled local operator. The voices will be community voices with practical suggestions for specific perceived needs by people in the community. Perhaps gatherings can be promoted to share folk arts, music, etc. When resources are discovered, a steering committee will start plans for a Fall cultural event. The whole county will be invited (foods, dances, arts, music, games, etc.) The city's media community (billboards, newspapers, radio, television, etc.) will be invited to serve on a publicity task force. A twelve month awareness campaign will be developed to create interest in the event. Yes, but... This proposal was actually prepared for folks in a mid west city. However, civil leaders had no interest. The media people, on the other hand, thought that it was exciting. It might have been, but wasn't.
Copyright 1987 by Dennis C. Benson |
|
|
COPYRIGHT © 1999 BY BBC COMMUNICATIONS INC
|
