The principles of Communities of Shalom are as applicable in a rural context as they are in an urban neighborhood. In a town of 1400 people, Mason Caregivers Shalom Community is fostering unity, promoting education and dreaming of so much more. Pastor Billy Jo Jackson embraces the notion that everyone has gifts and skills to share. Nearly breaking into a sermon from the stage of the first annual Mason Unity Festival, Pastor Jackson encouraged the hundreds gathered to complete a survey of their gifts. "Together, connecting our gifts and skills, we are going to make Mason a stronger community!" In the video below, Pastor Jackson shares how he builds upon what he learns and experiences
Millennials Engaging in the Work of Neighborhoods - Perspectives from the next generation on communi
Much has been stated about the leveraging power of the emerging generation known as Millennials, occasionally referred to as Generation Y. This group of twenty-somethings has illustrated significant influence in determining the status of elections, impacting economic growth, and shaping the future of technology. They often are credited with fueling social media movements all around the world. Center for Transforming Communities (CTC) recently sat down with the millennial members of its' team, Ian Preston and McKenna Lewellen, as they engage in neighborhood work as extensions of their academic experiences. Their thoughtful perspectives offer CTC the means to perpetuate powerful philosophy and
With years of corporate experience, a wealth of wisdom, and a refined lens of perspective Dr. Mary Jo Greil takes a moment to share some insights on her work with Center for Transforming Communities. She has served on the Board of Directors for three (3) years while leading her own consulting firm, Carson Greil Group. An organizational change expert, Dr. Greil assesses the value of the asset-based community development approach as a powerful mechanism of change.
