February 2021 Conversations & Notes
On Wednesday, February 17th we held our second gathering of the year!
Of the topics available we had three great conversations - you can find the full notes here.
The questions explored in each breakout room and highlights shared include:
Developing a ‘COVID Grief’ Toolkit
As we develop it, the intention needs to be understanding grief, and that it isn’t just the big losses. There is a big spectrum of experiences across individuals and collectives, and we should ensure that is understood.
Normalize and validate emotions that come up for people. It is good to release feelings, but we also need to watch these releases to ensure that everyone is safe and has the resources they may need.
A strengths-based, forward looking focus is key. We need strategies for filling up our cups and finding silver linings.
How can we be stronger together amidst COVID-19, as we navigate Zoom fatigue while still being restricted to mainly online, as well as we begin to plan and prepare for community building once a majority of people are vaccinated?
Use the season you are in, whatever that means. Use the great outdoors. Do things we might not normally do. Don’t wait until winter is over, find new ways of doing things.
Spark of creativity helps us feel and grow stronger. Out of the box thinking and getting out of our comfort zone help with this.
Connect with each other. - human to human. Things to hold onto:
Understanding, curiosity of each other’s contexts, generosity with kindness
Think of creative ways to connect with people online and in community.
Everyone has their own experience of this time.
There is no return to normal, and their shouldn’t be (normal wasn’t great for a lot of people).
How might existing and future virtual tools like Next Door be used to help advance community building efforts?
Talked about Next Door to start… ways it can be used, pitfalls of social media platforms in general, etc.
Agreed there needed to be thoughts and processes for regional pieces - how to encourage communication when something is happening across multiple communities/neighbourhoods.
Ways of moving offline online and online offline…. Winter Wellness Zoom Chats have been happening for people in Crescent Heights for several months, and participants are starting to help hold and lead that space.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and participated in these important conversations! We can’t wait until next month to do this again! Reminder, we’ll be gathering a week early on March 10th next time.