It’s been a whirlwind since I returned from Ireland a couple weeks back, but I wanted to update you on what’s unfolding from this exploratory trip. The short story is wow. Just, wow. But, of course there’s more. I had in mind that this could offer a chance to build on some existing relationships and develop new ones, all to lay the foundation for a … Continue reading Northern Ireland update
Here’s the question… Can we do this thing we do internationally? Can we make good connections? Can we find interesting people to interview? Can we understand well enough the issues that other places are facing to listen and engage and learn along the way? Can we navigate the logistics and the language and the varied power supplies and come back with work that matters…to me, … Continue reading Here we go
I spent a week in Grand Rapids, MN talking about legacy. I installed an exhibit at the Reif Performing Arts Center, visited high school classes, community groups, area churches. Throughout the week we set up public studios and asked, “What is the legacy you want to leave?” Read their answers below, and then scroll down to see a few shots of the public projection we … Continue reading Legacy
I spent time last fall with Cornell Cooperative Extension as their offices talked about love. Not romantic love, but the sort of love Dr. King referred to when he spoke of Beloved Community. The idea that we can care for one another. Build one another up. Make sure that people have access to the resources and support they need in order to thrive. The sort … Continue reading love
Over the weekend I attended a film screening in Michigan for a documentary project called Impossible Conversations. In some ways it was an introduction. In others, it was a reunion. The film was created in partnership by London-based filmmaker Pratap Rughani and Michigan-based filmmaker David Chung. I’d met with Pratap by Zoom recently and explored some common themes in our work. This was a chance … Continue reading Impossible conversations
Two men walked into an East Belfast pub. One, a local who had lived there all his life, the other from middle America, visiting for the first time. They both ordered a pint and sat side by side at the bar. “How are you, then?” asked one of them. “I’ve been better,” said the other, and the conversation unfolded as they slowly emptied their pints. … Continue reading Pub talk
I tend to look forward more often than I look back. I’m driven by what’s around the next bend and curious to see the view from the top of the next mountain. I am predisposed to doing rather than being, although I’m doing my best to practice my own being in the midst of all the doing. So when I slow down to look at … Continue reading 2024 review
Earlier this month I spent time with the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and gave the keynote for their 54th annual luncheon. For more than half a century, these faith leaders and practitioners from different traditions have been coming together to build relationships and connections in good times, knowing that sometimes we encounter bumps in the road. And when those bumps occur, we can navigate … Continue reading Interfaith
***This post is written by Mira Karthik who joined me in Louisiana for this series. Having just finished work on a political campaign and gearing up for a Fulbright engagement in Peru, she was interested to learn more about the work we do with A Peace of My Mind. I met Mira in Northern Ireland last summer while I traveled with students from Willamette University … Continue reading LSU
I spent time with North Dakota Extension agents a couple weeks ago. It’s part of the mission of Land Grant Universities to connect the research of the institution to the day to day needs of a community. So they run 4-H programs for youth development, lead community nutrition programs, work with agricultural producers on best practices, and more. I’ve done a lot of work with … Continue reading NDSU
