Community

By Maria Corse
 
The key to building a dynamic and vital community, based on respect, is to mesh individuals, who seemingly have little in common, yet are all excited about being part of that group.  At DRC, you will have to take more than a casual glance to discover our multiple layers of diversity. The distinct faces that make up our community, with the exception of a few who are of Native ancestry, are mostly descended from pale, white (with a sprinkle of freckles) European stock.  However, we make up for those differences, we lack at skin-level, with a wide range of awesomely, unique characters.  
 
Because of our ever-changing population, filled with those extraordinary individuals, our community is constantly evolving on a completely organic level.  Which is why you will hear me say, “no two days are ever the same here.”  Our daily schedule is determined by the people who are in this space: their moods, their interests (that particular day or hour), the short and long-term plans they have each devised, as well as the over-arching goals of the entire group.
 
When a potential member asks, “how many days do I have to attend each week?” My answer will always be, “we are completely non-coercive, therefore I cannot tell you how often you should be here; however, if you want to feel like you are part of this community, you will be here as often as possible.”
 
Nevertheless, as I explained a few weeks ago, just being here isn’t enough; we also expect that you will participate, engage, and genuinely contribute positive vibes to the community.  If you are here because there is nowhere else to be, or someone else (an authority figure) told you to attend, we honestly can’t help you.  
 
That being said, there are some who really don’t know whether they are interested in joining us or not.  On one hand, they don’t like public school, they are bored, and have no idea what they are interested in; therefore, it seems like it could be a good idea. On the other, some think they hate learning and have already adopted an apathetic attitude towards life in general; therefore, trying something new may seem like way too much work.  This scenario is exactly why we have devised a two-month trial membership period for everyone who joins us. This offers the time some need to settle in and determine whether this is what they want or not. At the end of the trial, we will all sit together (student, family, and DRC staff), using the list of expectations and recommendations, as well as the membership contract from the trial application packet, to discuss whether DRC is indeed a good fit.

Three more Deep Root Center Voices.

We really want to be that safe, inspiring place for everyone. For most, we are, but for others, after those two trial months, it is pretty obvious, for many reasons, we are not.  And if that is the case, we will help them, in whatever way they would like, to move on to something that is right for them.   
 
At DRC, we understand that a respectful and cohesive community is defined by its individual participants. We want to present ourselves as an exciting, dynamic, safe, fun, and viable educational alternative.  To do that, we are seeking members who are kind and curious, who are open to investigating the world through an imaginative, creative, and resourceful lens, who are willing to make mistakes and own them, who want to share their talents, and who are dedicated to being their awe-inspiring, true selves.

DRC News

We will be holding a huge garage sale, Saturday, June 1st, during the Annual Dairy Princess Festival. We are seeking quality items (no clothing).  Please get in touch if you have something you would like to donate or would like to help us get it organized.  Thanks!!

A huge shout of thanks to our good friend, Larry McGory, along with his trusty sidekick, Trish Pielnick (of Water, Woods, & Wild Wonders fame), who completed the fence barrier around the garage roof, the last requirement on the list from the Canton Planning Board. (With a week to spare, we might add!)