Monday, July 6, 2015
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?
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Although I do love my city, I can't say that I'm a co-creator-yet. I do share my love for the city of Detroit quite often though. Like Cherylyn Tompkins and Julia Gorzka, co-creators who blog about the "it" places in their cities of New Orleans and Tampa, I help to share some the amazing places to visit and things to do in the city of Detroit for UM-Center's Detroit Destinations blog. In the near future, I'd like to do the same for my own city.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ayana in that I would not classify myself as a co-creator, in the manner discussed in the book. However, as Detroit Center staff, the way we conduct ourselves and our business not only reflects on the University, but the city as well. As stated in a previous blog comment, I keep my negative comments about the city "in the family." I try to be upbeat and positive about the quality of life here.
ReplyDeleteI can't really say that I am a co-creator within the city of Detroit, but I think I am on a path that could lead to it. With me writing for the UM-Detroit Center's Detroit Destinations Blog and being apart of the 2015 Public Allies Metro Detroit cohort, I feel as though both are helping gain the tools and skills to be a co-creator in Detroit.
ReplyDeleteI like to think that I'm on my way to becoming a co-creator in Detroit. I feel like I promote the city and educate people about the city, particularly those who have misconceptions about Detroit. One day, when I move there, I hope that I'll be able to expand that role. I want to start something...I'm not sure what that "something" is, but I have this need to create something that would contribute to the life of Detroit. I've thought about opening up a store, or a yoga studio, and doing things like volunteering more or getting involved in community projects. I'm in awe of people who are DOING things, even small things, because they love their city and want to make it better, and I don't think I've felt the need to connect with a place in that way as I do now.
ReplyDeleteHaley -
DeleteI really appreciate how you have embraced the city and its people. I think some people come here and never feel "one" with it. In contrast, you have shown what can happen when one dares to leave their comfort zone and delve into the urban landscape.
I would definitely agree that I am a co-creator, more-so in Detroit professionally than in my own city, personally. One of the things I really enjoy about being a co-creator in Detroit is helping raise aware of great changes, projects and efforts that are being made on a small and large scale. While it can be easier to take the back seat while others do the heavy lifting - give the nature of our work at the Detroit Center, we're definitely more of the "hands-on" types.
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