blog
WHAT’S ON OUR HORIZON
Thirty (30) years ago, philanthropists in Washtenaw County envisioned an arts incubator in Ann Arbor. Their aim was to help drive economic stimulus in the downtown area. The building they landed on was in an old warehouse district heading out of town. They wanted to offer rent below market rate and spur the economic activity in the nearby community. And in the thirty (30) years of NEW’s practice, we’ve been successful in doing just that.
SEASON OF ADAPTATION
With the start of NEW’s fiscal year on July 1st, I’m reflecting on “adaptation” as a word to carry us in this transition. As a team, we’ve come together to learn from our community and grow in myriad ways. By sharing our journey, we hope you find a spark that proves useful in your own work. Or perhaps it will inspire you to share the ways you’re adapting and welcoming new opportunities.
A PAUSE FOR POETRY
Few things have the power to inspire visions of a just and thriving society like the arts. And the NEW team has a special fondness for poetry. Since April is National Poetry Month, we decided to share some of the poems that are resonating with us in this moment. We hope you find something worthwhile in them yourself. Enjoy!
FOUR STEPS TO CHANGE
At NEW, we’ve been trying to understand and unpack the harms rooted in our sector. This includes the ways marginalized peoples are ignored, exploited, or discounted. In doing so, I’ve had the chance to think about how I have contributed to these harms. I’ve been asking, “In what ways have I, as a facilitator and practitioner, reinforced white supremacy culture at NEW? In my relationships with clients?” I’ve been especially interested in our evaluation and feedback practices.
MORE THAN A VOTE
Making change in the world requires people to both take action and be willing to sacrifice. These are only a few examples of many instances. Creating a better world doesn’t happen by accident. It takes years of long work, by generation after generation, moving the needle towards the promise of something wonderful. It takes everyday people willing to stand up and say we want better. We deserve better.
ME & WHITE SUPREMACY: LUNAR NEW YEAR EDITION
Today, February 1, 2022, marks the first day of the Lunar New Year. The timing this year coincides with the start of Black History Month here in the US. This year, I’ve been reflecting on my journey to unlearn my own internalized white supremacy. In many ways, this is healing me and changing my approach to celebrating my culture and identity.
Transformation in 2021
Transformation has been an up and down journey this year. Losses of loved ones, personal connections, and the ability to stay in touch created some truly difficult times. Zoom fatigue was part of that as my community circles lost patience with themselves, the technology (or lack of access), and sometimes each other….
GIVING THANKS AND GIVING CREDIT
The month of November is designated as Native American Heritage Month. It’s also the month that holds the national Thanksgiving holiday. This time of year brings up so many thoughts and mixed emotions for me. I’m blessed to be in a community of people at NEW who help me give these feelings voice. So, I’m giving thanks and giving credit to them.
The Future I want to see
When I’ve done or am doing something out of alignment, a pit begins to open in the center of my chest. I feel myself being sucked into a vortex of never-ending depth. And as I’m dragged down, anxiety comes flooding up. It spills down the tributaries of my appendages until I can feel it coursing through my entire body. It’s consuming, a poison that takes over my mind and sends me spiraling into doubt and hopelessness.
OH, That Yellow Brick Road
Recently, I went through a box stuffed with cards I have received over the years. Some from birthdays, graduations, moving, and souvenirs from places others have visited. Things can get buried in there, and every once in a while it’s nice to go through and relive memories. To get lost in past celebrations and travels.
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