It is almost time to see what creative ideas came out of the Subvert-a-thon!
Come by Trout Lake* Sunday September 17th for creative community projects that challenge some of the things keeping our communities isolated.Over the past week, we, a group of ordinary people who only just met to explore the roots of these social issues, used design tools to create, test, and improve our project ideas.We have been exploring disconnection to place, distrust of difference, isolation and loneliness. We are now ready to try our ideas with others, and we need your help! By inviting you to join us for some fun and thought-provoking experiences, we hope to get you feedback on how we can strengthen the projects! Hope to see you there!
*We will be testing out different locations to see what works best for our projects, but we will say close to the Trout Lake Dog off leash area.
A subvert-a-thon? What’s that?
Over the past week community members met for a social challenge to deep dive into the social norms that keep us separate from each other and work towards actions that can change that on a neighbourhood level. We got together in small groups to brainstorm, ideate and prototype ideas that might help to delightfully subvert these norms.
In addition to the subvert-a-thon, there is also a subversion summit during the week, where you will hear from folks that are doing projects in the community, and also gain some helpful tips and tricks that will help you become inspired neighbourhood organizers!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who took part in the subvert-a-thon?
There is no mold for the ideal NO (Neighbourhood Organizer). They could be a working mom, university student, community gardener, social worker, chemist, librarian, skateboarder, mailman, or even a beekeeper! A NO is anybody that signs up to be a part of a subvert-a-thon, as an active, engaged and curious participant. This role involves stepping outside one’s comfort zone, engaging with difference, becoming friends with emergence, challenges and sometimes even failure.
The emphasis for this role is on listening, sharing and co-creating with others, which can be a rewarding and sometimes messy process. As part of a subvert-a-thon a NO gains tools, resources and methodologies to engage in community based practices that work towards our mission of increasing a sense of belonging and inclusion, for everyone. NO’s seek to work with those on the margins and bring to the forefront the concealed stories and hidden gems that would otherwise go unnoticed.
The subvert-a-thon has about 20 participants that are selected for the unique lens that they bring to the group. Participants will gather over the span of a week and work in teams of 3 or 4 to create a delightful subversion that builds bridges across lines of difference. Each team will have the opportunity to win prize money to go towards their project idea. The winning team will be decided on through public vote, facilitator vote and points gained through the week challenges.
What are the key responsibilities of a Neighbourhood Organizer?
Participants are responsible for the following:
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- Showing up in person for four days (September 9,10,16 and 17)
- Attending at least one workshop or presentation hosted online as part of the Subversion Summit (On Curiko from 11th – 15th September)
- Working collaboratively as part of a small team to brainstorm, ideate and prototype delightful subversions in the neighbourhood.
- Sharing their own personal perspective and expertise with the group and larger cohort.
- Conducting primary and secondary research out in the community, which includes talking to strangers from different backgrounds, documenting interactions, understanding how neighbours use community spaces etc.
- Helping the team create and execute a neighbourhood based activation.
- Reflecting on learnings as part of the cohort.
- Participants are also responsible for checking in with facilitators to bring to their attention any challenges they might face as part of this cohort.
Who is behind this work?
This project is being developed by a team of Designers, Artists and Social Scientists from InWithFroward* and Curiko**. This work is generosity funded by a Vancouver Costal Health grant and PosAbilities.
*InWithForward a social design organization that makes human services more human.
**Curiko is a community platform that brings people with and without disabilities together to experience more meaningful moments.