A young man in Detroit shared the story of his grandmother who he watched read the Detroit Free Press everyday and gather her neighbors every Friday to share the relevant news of the week. He now works at a local news organization that does the same- providing actionable and urgent information to his community.
A young woman told us about her college advisor in Connecticut who suggested she go home to Puerto Rico because he didn’t think she could cut it in college. Upon graduation, she moved to Charlotte. There she created a community around her love of Latin American cinema – moving from a blog to small screenings to a film festival. When ICE came, her community – while living in fear – still clamored for connection. So she held smaller screenings in apartment complexes and trailer parks.
These two stories were shared from the main stage at a conference where connection was everywhere to be found. It was a gathering of journalists, civic leaders, researchers, and funders. All seeking and granting connections between individuals, organizations and ideas. All looking to make their world a better place.
The connections were not limited to the stage. Mine occurred in coffee lines, in conference rooms, during a long walk and a dinner with over a hundred strangers seated along one long table.
Typically at a conference where I am unknown, my introverted side prevails. Often feeling like I don’t belong; insecure of my place there. Not this time. I was as outgoing as I’ve ever been in these situations. I’m not sure if it was because I was in search of community or that it was just so willingly offered. Regardless, I left inspired by new connections and potential ideas for myself and others.
We were reminded at one point that the polarization in our country is perhaps exaggerated. The word by definition references two opposite poles. But think of all that space in between. Space where people long for and seek connection. In our homes, in our communities and yes in our country.
Fortunately, one doesn’t need to travel to a conference to find connections. It is there waiting for you in that coffee line or in any room you find yourself in. It is there in the stories we hear and those we share. So please connect. Chances are you and that person next to you will both appreciate it.
This Week’s Recommendation: On the plane I watched Blue Moon about the Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, who wrote classics like Blue Moon and My Funny Valentine. Ethan Hawke’s performance of a man desperately seeking connection is a tour de force… and a reminder to be there for each other.
Consider sharing this with a new connection.