Community Partner : Neighborhood Design Center Intern : Daphne Moraga Site Supervisor : Eli Pousson
What is the Neighborhood Design Center ? We support the growth of healthy , equitable neighborhoods through community-engaged design and planning services . By providing the tools , expertise , and partnerships necessary to realize neighborhood visions , we support broad participation in the evolution of the built environment .
41
Organized and conducted survey work in Ellwood Park using Stationary Activity Mapping to identify patterns of park use Canvassed in the McElderry , Baltimore Highlands , and Ellwood Park neighborhoods in support of Southeast CDC ’ s community engagement initiatives Organized and helped facilitate meetings of a virtual professional development “ book club ” specializing in housing policy Assisted the Southeast CDC and Family of Ellwood Park in hosting a successful community movie night in the park
When I think about my time at NDC this summer , I am flooded with emotions and memories . What I ’ ve realized connects them all , though , are what I ’ ve learned about intentions and listening . In all nonprofit work that centers communities , it ’ s the people that make things move . It ’ s the people with the stories that teach you more about the work you ’ re doing than anything else could . One of the first materials my supervisor Eli gave me to read was a short visual story about two people who were trying to support a community design effort . Both had good intentions , but only one was truly listening to the people he was serving .
It sounds straightforward to sit in a park and track activity , but nothing could have prepared me for how socially complicated it is to walk into a space that is not your own – with a clipboard – under the watchful eye of a tight-knit community . Being in an observatory role forced me to figure out different ways to communicate my intentions . Whether this was through being more aware of the space I take up , or through making the conversations I did have with folks when they approached me more meaningful , or by bringing a book to just be present , I appreciate the ways this work helped me take a moment to listen , watch , and learn .
Our team surveys shoppers in the Hazlo shopping center and sometimes we talk to folks who say things like , “ There ’ s no saving this place , baby .” We once talked to an older woman who scoffed and shook her head at the idea of painting a No Shoot Zone in the neighborhood : “ It ’ s a waste . Doesn ’ t do anything .” I sometimes see this work as equal parts optimism , and knowing your limits – and then using that knowledge to get angry and push those limits . The NDC is aware of what it can and can ’ t do , but so many of the can ’ ts come from structural barriers : a negligent city government and governmental programs that fail to adequately and equitably serve this city . Regardless of our intentions or how big we ’ re thinking , these things will stand rigidly in our way . The NDC does not back down , however – I am always in awe of our staff ’ s commitment to uplifting and amplifying the voices of the people who make this city what it is . And that is limit-pushing .