Our Panel of Mid-North Residents (left to right): Carlos Permell, Denise Whittaker, Jim Naramore, Amy Rubin, and Menelik Adisa
Reflecting on the job creation panel at KI EcoCenter on October 12, I recalled a few interesting perspectives. Such perspectives were centered around topics like corporate accountability, new urban developments, social entrepreneurship, the new economy and the overall future direction.
It’s clear that the issue of the economy and jobs is heavy on people’s minds. The room was packed with more than 20 people from the Mid-North Neighborhood and beyond. Heated and critical conversations filled the evening as the panel shared their personal struggles to create economic opportunity for themselves, their families, and their community.
Audience members asking questions and putting in their two cents.
As the realities of the present continue to remind us that the past is no longer, we are being forced daily to reevaluate our value systems and how we would like to shape our future. Of course, there wasn’t unanimous agreement among the panelist or audience in terms of which way we should move forward; however, all agreed that the “glorious” days of bourgeois lifestyles based on consumption are over.
The greatest challenge we face collectively is creating the needed change for our families and communities. What are we doing daily to bring about the change we hope to see? What relationships are we forming? What are we willing to let go of?
I was out of town for this meeting and was sorry to have missed it! I hope there will be more job creation forums and meet ups. I have started a job enterprise called UrBan ReCycle through the my NPO, My Sister’s Place to provide jobs in the fabric and textile recycling industry to underserved and disadvantaged women, single female heads of household, returning vets and others similarly underemployed. While not an easy venture, it is do-able with the right support and community action. I hope to create a model which can be used in all cities as there continues to be increasing revenue from this waste stream. I am currently looking for interested members to join me and help to develop the program to not only help people but all the communities we help to support through this venture.