This event became rather confusing as we attempted to keep it going. On an individual level, people started out feeling motivated and then all of the issues below the surface began to rise.
There were attempts at smearing the reputations of people who were trying to help out and be allies to the cause, there were accusations of elder abuse when participants who were younger began to be critical of those who were older and more established. One of the issues at the heart of many of these conflicts is the idea that a person must criticize and step on the toes of people who have been organizing and working for a number of different causes, in order to establish their own leadership, when in fact, people would be better off learning from the stories of those who have done such events and actions many times before.
Our intention, and we did have a mission statement, was to hold space for people who wanted to paint, get a chance to rock the mic, or sell crafts and so forth. the only alcohol or sugar available was sold for a small price. All other food was free and nutritious.
In many ways, the 2 events were successful and now we want to find another location. If more drama ensues, we will handle it with compassion and patience. We are committed to the vision of starting momentum. We are creating a model for organizing it in a way that shows awareness for people who can follow our model and make it happen in other communities that are thirsty and hungry for welcoming arts/food/crafts/music spaces that are built from the ground up, as a labor of love.
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