Here is what we set out to do … I think we did remarkably well even as we continuously work to be better “me”s! What do you think?
1) Have a safe trip
2) Have fun
3) Learn a LOT
4) Connect with people who want to create a more just and loving world
5) Build our individual and collective strength in that effort
6) Engage the question of “how things change as they remain the same” and the implications for multi-generational collaboration
7) Foster and support youth leadership
8) Learn about Detroit – both their challenges and their “City of Hope”
9) Build relationships all round with humility, respect and compassion.
10) Carry through on our collective goals:
COLLECTIVE GOALS
1) Listen: “To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.” –Proverb
All of our interactions: between us as a group to us participating in a multiplicity of interactions throughout The Forum and Detroit at large offer the unique opportunity to listen. Through this we gain an understanding of ourselves, the others within our Delegation, the other groups participating in The Forum, and the organizers of the USSF themselves which will enrich our experience and enhance what we bring back to our communities. The Forum itself represents a process built upon listening and acting, thus this is an integral goal for our delegation.
2) Open Communication/Accountability: “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes real happiness. It is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”–Helen Keller
The AU Delegation embodies the understanding that the USSF and it’s process are a worthy purpose. We also recognize that working together not only as the AU Delegation but as the AU Delegation in conjunction with other groups, schools, and individuals represents a more than worthy purpose. We can only begin to act and thus have a means to our ends if we endeavor to facilitate open communication and take accountability in all of our interactions.
3) Connect: “Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.”-Richard Bach
By creating connections among ourselves as Delegation Members and with individuals in other schools, groups, etc we are creating and participating in local and national process. We are forging relationships that allow for the growth of ourselves, our schools, and our communities.
4) Bring Back/Share/Teach and Build! “Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.” – Nikos Kazantzakis
Through our participation in the USSF we recognize that we have an opportunity to be both the students and the teachers. We feel that it is our duty to “pass the torch” and spread word of and share the knowledge gained at the USSF throughout our communities. We feel it is of utmost importance to continue the Forum process within the realms we participate in. We are the bridges.
Let’s connect with folks in the area so we can work on projects together in the fall and beyond.
5) LEARN, LAUGH and HAVE LOTS OF FUN: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter”–ee cummings
And we certainly don’t want to waste any day at the USSF! Laughter is really the best cure (and according to some, the best weapon) for when things become too overwhelming! We have a unique opportunity and we should enjoy every minute of it and the wonderful company that we have along the way!
