Connection & Engagement: Building a Case for Empathy

The annual explosion of day lilies in my front yard

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Connection and engagement go hand in hand — it is hard to have one without the other. All humans crave meaningful connection, and our innate desire to relate a good story, with all those quirky personal touches, is the link that celebrates our shared human condition, especially for those of us who are neurospicy, loner types who prefer solitude over a crowded room. Mutual enthusiastic engagement in the telling provides the essential glue (and for some of us, the all-important dopamine hit that gets us out of our own heads for at least a few moments).

It may look something like this: I was standing at the Deep Root Center info table at Pride Fest in Potsdam when a man walked up to me very intentionally and said, "You look very familiar." As per usual, whenever I am in public settings here, "I replied, I grew up in Brasher." And, he said, "I live in Brasher and grew up there." It turns out that, after connecting the dots through my Dad, who was a teacher there for 25 years, I discovered that this guy is my Mom's new neighbor! He was born in 1983, the year I graduated and left, so I'm not sure how he recognized me unless I look more like my mother than I previously believed. We proceeded to share stories for another 15-20 minutes, totally caught up in the weird serendipitous six degrees of separation (which is often more like one or two degrees), here in the NoCo.

Connection and engagement are also the key to building a community (whether large or small) where everyone feels safe and cared for. Again, these two elements are accomplished simply and elegantly through shared personal narratives that ultimately help develop empathy for those who are different from us.

Unfortunately, I believe that compassion and empathy are the main components missing in today's world. Those who choose to judge, control, and punish without trying to understand the levels of hopelessness, discouragement, and pain, or even the occasional moment of joy another person is experiencing, are the reason (well, that and racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, white nationalism, misogyny, and the uber-wealthy's unmitigated obsession for acquiring more and more and more...) we are currently in this unbearable situation, where abject cruelty and inhumane barbarism is now the law of the land.

This is why connection and engagement are the main factors I look for when a new student member at Deep Root Center is settling in. The most contented and involved are those who are open and willing to try new things, join group activities, and are visibly more comfortable pursuing their interests and being themselves while listening to and accepting others for who they are.

For those who struggle to make meaningful and respectful connections, we model thoughtfulness, honesty, and kindness. We are also not afraid to discuss anything that impacts individuals or the group, including toxic attitudes that could be harmful to our community.

Furthermore, despite the ruthless examples of callousness and brutality from some of our elected representatives, we will continue to hold space with grace and empathy while empowering a culture of trust and respect in a community that is here for any young person who needs us.

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DRC News

Thank you!
Thank you to the folks who have purchased items from our Amazon Wish-list. We are always grateful for those unexpected packages that land on our porch. You too can surprise us with items ranging from utilitarian to "wouldn't it be nice to have" from our Amazon Wish List.

Amazon Wishlist

Thank you, Anna Campbell for the necklace cords.

Thank you, Karen Gagne & Trader for the rice cooker and dish soap.

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Opportunity for Local Businesses
We are looking for sponsors for our 2nd annual Craft Fair and Family Fun Event to be held in the Norwood Village Park on August 9th from 10-3.
Sponsorship Levels:
Bronze - $25 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you and mention in DRC Social Media Posts
Silver - $50 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you, and a mention in DRC Social Media Posts and on our website.
Gold - $100 - You or your business will receive a personal thank you, a mention in DRC Social Media Posts, on our website, and in a news release to local newspapers, and if sponsored before July 21st your business will be featured on posters of the event that will be hung around the local area.

Thank you, Maple, etc., in Norwood, for our First Gold-level Sponsorship. 

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Event Sponsorship Form

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Seeking Vendors

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Vendor Registration

Summer Registration