Conclusion - "For the Love of Cities"

Please read the concluding chapter of the book, “For the Love of Cities.” In the last paragraph, the author - Peter Kageyama - challenges us to become emotionally engaged with your city. He advises:

“Start small. Make a simple gesture. Then another. Then another. Make it easier to make your imprint. Open your hearts and make up new things. This is our work, and frontiers are all around us.”

Taking this message into account, what “simple gesture” will you take on the path to “loving your city” (either Detroit or your hometown)?

Chapter Nine:Spreading the Love-Engaging the Co-Creators

Chapter 9 expands on what we've learned from Chapter 8-now that we know who the co-creators are, how do we keep them and attract new ones? All I could think of during the reading of this chapter is BURNOUT. We're introduced to Teresa Greenlees who says that she just doesn't think she has the same fire as a mover and a shaker in her community as she had in the past. Can you recall a time that you once could identify yourself as a co-creator? What has changed? Why doesn't the title "co-creator" fit anymore?

Chapter 8: For the Love of Cities

Chapter 8 talks about the importance of co-creators - the starters, builders, educators, connectors, provocateurs, tastemakers, and champions - for the life of a city. What kinds of things are co-creators doing in your city? How are you a co-creator for either Detroit, or for the city in which you currently live? Are there things that you are doing now or want to do in the future to contribute to the life of your city?