Community Engagement & Music

Submitted by Laurie Fenton on August 15, 2011 - 1:25pm
Just Seven Weeks Until CCI 2011

I turned up the music on my way into work this morning.  Because it was Monday (no offense Monday, but you are not liked by a large majority), I turned it up louder than usual and began bopping away.  I knew people were looking at me, but I didn’t care.  I was actually enjoying my Monday morning.   If my husband was with me, he would have encouraged me to wave to the onlookers as he sometimes does for his entertainment and my embarrassment…

I often praise the multi-dimensional value of music on our individual and collective health, which got me to thinking about music and community engagement.  I have used this as a creative tool in community consultations with the public and police, as a means to invite comfortable and genuine dialogue.  When working on public consultations for the Ottawa Police Service’s three year strategic business plan in 2009, I was given the opportunity to use some recent training and reading (thanks to Leadership Ottawa and Paul Born at Tamarack!) for a creative design.  In world café design format called “Let’s Chat Coffee Shops”  (http://ottawapolice.ca/en/Community/PIA.aspx), I was able to use social media and play one of my favourite examples of music and community engagement – “Playing for Change: Songs Around the World” series of songs that brings international “street” musicians together into one popular song like Stand by Me (check out the Youtube link at: http://youtu.be/Us-TVg40ExM)

To my delight these songs were also featured at the opening of last year’s Communities Collaborating Institute – a week long learning conference focused on community engagement, collaborative leadership and innovation organized by the amazing folks at the Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement.  I left that week long session inspired and with many resources, and I’m looking forward to participating again this year.  The countdown is on.  In seven weeks, I’ll be enjoying my Monday morning in Calgary at Tamarack’s CCI2011! 

 

Here’s how you can find me.  Let’s connect!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurie.fenton

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Twitter:  Not yet although I do have a cat named Twitter!  Coming Soon.

Email: [email protected]

 

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Comments:
Song sung blue Submitted by Timothy Wild on September 22, 2011 - 9:49am.

I agree with your comments on the impact of music on "health", and "music and commuity engagement".  And, I've often thought it would be interesting to see what songs community developers list as their favourite song(s).  I've always liked those artists who's songs come with some political content - I love Billy Bragg, The Jam and Johnny Clegg. But does anyone else have any other suggestions? (I love ITines - so I am willing to try some new songs out!!).

And, on a parallel note, I was chattiing with a family member re: funeral songs (in the abstract - don't worry!), and he said that he wanted his funeral song would be "My Way"; I said mine would be "You'll never walk alone"! - perhaps two ends of the individualist / collective continuum?

"If the music be the food of love play on...."

 

Laurie, I couldn't agree more Submitted by Sylvia Cheuy on August 16, 2011 - 9:59am.

Laurie,

I couldn't agree more about the power of music.  Your blog also reminds me that so much of what I do (be it work, chores etc) is shaped by my own emotional state (and great music always makes be happy!) as well as how I approach the task at hand.

As I read what you wrote, I pictured you dancing away in your car with a great big smile on your face...which made me smile too!

thanks!

sylvia

Flash Mobs in Vehicles? Submitted by Laurie Fenton on August 17, 2011 - 9:13am.

I'm glad I could encourage some extra smiling!  I wonder if a flash mob in vehicles has ever been done?!  It might be a solution to road rage which I encounter pretty much every day. :( 

http://youtu.be/zvt3chGuU8I

Rockin' for community Submitted by AJ on August 16, 2011 - 10:26am.

Imagining music being more powerful than the Monday morning blues is kinda mind blowing but as I sit in my office reading this my colleagues are next to me discussing Toast 'n' Jam, a community youth music project that culminates in two shows this weekend. One of the most diverse bands was formed after the members met at an afterschool music program. This event is only one of quite a few instances this summer where I have seen music pulling people together and starting conversations. Thanx for getting this conversation started it is a good one.

 

Youth Engagement & Music Submitted by Laurie Fenton on August 17, 2011 - 9:07am.

Toast 'n' Jam!  I'm very intriqued.  Music is definately part of youth culture and a great tool to engage them ... if you let them pick or make the tunes of course!  Enjoy the concerts and the musical conversations that come with it...  :)