Finding Hope in Emerging Leaders
Last night I attended Detroit Synergy's Idea Generation Meeting at the Wayne State Student Center. Over 100 people showed up to discuss ideas they had for the Detroit area and listen to Ann Slawnik from Wayne State's Detroit Orientation Institute talk about the importance of knowing the area in which you live.
I had the opportunity to facilitate one of the break-out groups and to hear some great ideas coming from an entire table of Synergy newcomers. Though the larger group was mostly young professionals, my table was slightly more diverse and included: Tony Smith, founder of Map Detroit; 3 young artists who developed an organization called ARC to connect art, artists and the people of Pontiac; a young mother named Maggie, who is excited to move her family downtown to the Brush Park Village North development she manages; and Tracye, who works to empower teenagers to help other teenagers.
They all have different passions and goals, but they are all emerging leaders. They are all working to add something to this region, and they're taking steps on their own to do it. It was an amazing thing to experience their combined energy.
Whatever ideas we discussed, whether it was a Detroit Family Fun Day or a Detroit Music Scene Tour, everyone was full of energy and excitement to have found a forum to not only discuss their ideas, but to make them happen too.
That's what I love about Synergy meetings: the energy that people bring to the table. Whenever I'm feeling burned out, and I'm not sure if I have the energy to get involved in another project, all I have to do is go to a Synergy meeting or event and listen to people.
Whether I talk to a newcomer who is so glad to have finally found a group of people that think Detroit is great and are doing things to make it better, or I talk to a Project Leader about how something they started 2 years ago that drew 10 people a couple times a year now draws 100 people every month, I inevitabley walk away with a renewed sense of commitment.
It reminds me that what we're doing matters, and that for every cynic I encounter there are just as many believers out there that are actually doing something positive for the region.
That energy...that renewed bounce in your step...that's comes from hope. All it takes is that little reminder that you're not alone in your struggle and that progress is being made.
It's knowing that more troops are on the way; that the emerging leaders are ready, willing and able to help. The future looks brighter because of that knowledge...and that is what hope is all about.
So, if anyone is looking for a little extra hope, I suggest attending a Detroit Synergy meeting or event.
If you want to know more about Detroit Synergy or the ideas discussed at the meeting don't hesitate to contact me at jeanette.pierce@uwsem.org or just comment below!
I had the opportunity to facilitate one of the break-out groups and to hear some great ideas coming from an entire table of Synergy newcomers. Though the larger group was mostly young professionals, my table was slightly more diverse and included: Tony Smith, founder of Map Detroit; 3 young artists who developed an organization called ARC to connect art, artists and the people of Pontiac; a young mother named Maggie, who is excited to move her family downtown to the Brush Park Village North development she manages; and Tracye, who works to empower teenagers to help other teenagers.
They all have different passions and goals, but they are all emerging leaders. They are all working to add something to this region, and they're taking steps on their own to do it. It was an amazing thing to experience their combined energy.
Whatever ideas we discussed, whether it was a Detroit Family Fun Day or a Detroit Music Scene Tour, everyone was full of energy and excitement to have found a forum to not only discuss their ideas, but to make them happen too.
That's what I love about Synergy meetings: the energy that people bring to the table. Whenever I'm feeling burned out, and I'm not sure if I have the energy to get involved in another project, all I have to do is go to a Synergy meeting or event and listen to people.
Whether I talk to a newcomer who is so glad to have finally found a group of people that think Detroit is great and are doing things to make it better, or I talk to a Project Leader about how something they started 2 years ago that drew 10 people a couple times a year now draws 100 people every month, I inevitabley walk away with a renewed sense of commitment.
It reminds me that what we're doing matters, and that for every cynic I encounter there are just as many believers out there that are actually doing something positive for the region.
That energy...that renewed bounce in your step...that's comes from hope. All it takes is that little reminder that you're not alone in your struggle and that progress is being made.
It's knowing that more troops are on the way; that the emerging leaders are ready, willing and able to help. The future looks brighter because of that knowledge...and that is what hope is all about.
So, if anyone is looking for a little extra hope, I suggest attending a Detroit Synergy meeting or event.
If you want to know more about Detroit Synergy or the ideas discussed at the meeting don't hesitate to contact me at jeanette.pierce@uwsem.org or just comment below!
Labels: leadership_next
posted by JPierce at
9:43 AM
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