COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

“The sharing of joy, whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual, forms a bridge between the sharers which can be the basis for understanding much of what is not shared between them, and lessens the threat of their difference."

Audre Lorde

Community Engagement Approaches

My understanding of service is multi-dimensional. First, it is rooted in my Black feminist praxis, which emphasizes that I am part of a transnational community; therefore, I should be mindful of my environment and its various ecosystems. Second, it emphasizes that I use my knowledge and time (service and mentoring) to elevate and support the most vulnerable.

Mentoring

Service

Knowledge

Rethinking Community Engagement: Conversations in the Neighborhood (CIN)

Conversations in the Neighborhood (CIN) was a public humanities series that fostered dialogue across geographies and cultures through a selected theme, such as music, food, or art. While creating a space for learning and curiosity, CIN also aimed to expand audiences' understanding of social issues like globalization, race, gender, immigration, and climate change. CIN used racial equity (RE) principles to bring non-traditional actors, particularly those dismissed by institutions, to its table. Through this, CIN hosted discussions that sparked imagination and creativity.

Concept

Events organized by CIN are divided into past, present, and future.
A focus on the past allows CIN to examine dominant and counter-narratives. Through the present, it explores how past circumstances continue to affect people's lives. By looking toward the future, CIN and its participants can reflect on what is possible and envision what can be achieved.

Methodology

I met with stakeholders to brainstorm and explore collaboration opportunities.
I drafted a proposal based on the feedback received, which includes the series objectives, activities, and planning process.
I organized brainstorming sessions and discussed limitations.
I consulted historically marginalized leaders about event formats, locations, and topics.
I gathered feedback and adjusted approaches through surveys.

Impact

The series provides a blueprint for how universities can work with their communities to foster engagement.
It brought new voices– as speakers, interpreters, or participants–into the humanities by leveraging digital technologies to democratize knowledge.
It showcases ways to embed racial equity in bureaucratic decisions.

“ Traditional foods and foodways nourish people in various ways; for the newly arrived and even for those with over 60 years in a new land, traditional foods are a source of joy and comfort. As a former college professor turned independent writer, I was happy to be in a virtual space with people interested in learning more about my experience.”

Marisella Veiga, CIN Food's Invited Speaker

CIN in Numbers

CIN Food (2020-21)

Conversations in the Neighborhood: Let's Talk about Food

The series enabled participants to share views on food-related themes while recognizing local food trucks, chefs, and home cooks.

CIN Food in Numbers:

$15,000 budget
500 participants
40 speakers
15 partners, including the City of Gainesville Office of Equity and Inclusion
8 moderators
8 panels
5 recipes
2 interpreters
1 poet

CIN Music (2021-22)

Conversations in the Neighborhood: Let's Talk about Food

The series addressed complex themes, including identity, migration, and culture. It also used music as a framework for examining the context of songs.

CIN Music in Numbers:

$9,500.23 budget
228 participants
14 speakers
4 moderators
4 partners, including the City of Gainesville
4 panels
2 interpreters
2 poets
2 local caterers
1 DJ
1 exhibit
1 workshop