Community Change a Moment at a Time Tommy Darwin The University of Texas at Austin

Today’s theme:

Thrownness “Beginnings and endings are rare, middles are common. People … are always in the middle of something, which means … re- design, interruption, resumption, continuity, and recontextualizing …” --Karl Weick

Imagination Being in two places at the same time: in your own experience and the experience of an other AND in the present and in the future.

Resilience “Staunch acceptance of reality…” “Strong belief that life is meaningful…” “Uncanny ability to improvise…” “ How Resilience Works,” Diane Coutu, Harvard Business Review

Accepting Reality

Reality is Abundant It “supports” multiple perspectives and is “completed” by our understanding It only fully emerges through diverse perspectives and commitments

Meaning and Purpose

Focus on what is Essential Look past the “data” to see the deeper constellations of meaning. Keep values and commitments at the forefront--they ultimately drive action.

Uncanny Improvisation Elizabeth Sanders, “Co-creation and the New Landscapes of Design”

Improv and Innovation Prototype, Prototype, Prototype “Yes-and …” Be receptive to what the situation offers Look for “hidden innovators” Build on a human scale

“Solving for Pattern”

A Perfect Mindstorm “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the answer, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question I could solve the problem in five minutes.” -- Albert Einstein

Mindstorm … Pick an issue you are engaging Identify five different groups with an interest in the issue What is the key problem or issue from the perspective of each group? How is each group already working on the problem?

Mindstorm … How would you approach the issue if you had all the resources, information, and influence you needed? How would you approach the issue if it wasn’t yours? Who else could benefit from what you’ve learned? What key lessons would you offer them?